Gwinnett Daily Post

SNELLVILLE -- October is the month to celebrate at the Snellville Farmers' Market.

The local City Council is expected to proclaim Snellville Farmers' Market Month in honor of the annual harvest-time event.

The market, which is open from 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday through the end of October, is in its second year and has already finished third in an American Farmland Trust contest.

With 2,619 votes, the Snellville market easily won recognition as the No. 1 market in Georgia, a press release said. Riverside Farmers' Market finished in second place with 616 votes and Peachtree Road Farmers' Market was third with 397 votes.

"This market has brought the community back to Snellville," said former Councilwoman Barbara Bender, who served on the market's Founders' Committee. "Our volunteers go above and beyond expectations week after week to nourish our community."

"Oh happy day. A well deserved honor," Bonnie Benedict, a customer, posted on the market's Facebook page. "There is no doubt in my mind that our Snellville market is the absolute best in the nation."

Gretchen Schulz, who chairs the market committee, credited volunteers with the market's success.

"What is truly noteworthy about our market is that we've achieved this level of recognition and those of us who administer the market are all volunteers," Schulz said. "I've never worked with a more dedicated group and that commitment comes from a tremendous desire to build community pride."

The market is located on the Town Green in front of City Hall.