Asheville residents find joy, normalcy at farmers markets after Tropical Storm Helene

ASHEVILLE – Asheville farmers markets have resumed, and community members are excited to be back and experiencing a bit of normalcy after Tropical Storm Helene.

On Oct. 26, Chef J Chong, owner of J Chong Eats, hugged multiple customers who approached her culinary booth at the North Asheville Tailgate Market.

“You see regulars and friends come and we give lots of hugs,” she said. “The vibrancy of the community, you can feel it. People are looking to support local and get out of the bubble of sadness for a second.”

Jason Mogen, executive director of the North Asheville Tailgate Market, said he felt the joy and gratitude of those in attendance.

“It feels like the return back to normal,” Mogen said. “Being able to support local businesses and knowing those businesses still need help getting off the ground right now. I see smiles everywhere and lots of ‘thank yous’ to the vendors and customers.”

At North Asheville Tailgate Market, the crowd was elbow-to-elbow in the Stein Mart parking lot on Merrimon Avenue, which is its temporary location. That wasn’t the case at Asheville City Market downtown.

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