The Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture helped to locate the Franklin-Simpson Farmers' Market on Main Street in Franklin.  The previous market location was not visible which resulted in poor sales.  The ANR Agent wrote a GOAP Grant and collaborated with local sponsors to construct a pavilion in downtown Franklin that is aesthetically pleasing and features highly visible selling spaces for vendors.  Since construction vendors sales have dramatically increased.

The market requires operating expenses, maintenance costs, and funding for festivals, music and activities for long-term success.  As a result, the Franklin-Simpson Farmers Market collaborated with the Simpson County Extension Service to host the Hometown Harvest Dinner.  This dinner took place at a local agritourism venue called the Barn at Bethel Grove.  It features an outdoor pre-dinner festival during which ticket holders enjoy appetizers served and prepared by Farmers’ Market vendors, event sponsor informational booths and live music.  The remainder of the dinner is inside the Barn.  The event took place during National Farmers’ Market Week in order to showcase a menu that features local food products primarily grown by the Farmers’ Market vendors, highlight the importance of agriculture in Simpson County and our local community, and provide a great atmosphere for friendship and fellowship.  The meal is prepared by the “Brickyard of Franklin”, and local “celebrities” many of which are farmers serve the entire meal.  The conclusion of the evening features a drawing for several door prizes donated from local businesses.  This is the sole fundraiser for the F-S Farmers Market providing a full year of operational funds.

The market is able to flourish in large part due to funds raised at this event.  Many vendors have reported an increase in sales due to products served the night of the Hometown Harvest Dinner.  Each product's origin is denoted on the menu to help promote local farmers.  Tickets cost $55 per person or $50 with the purchase of two or more tickets.  10 local businesses sponsored the event.  This past dinner raised nearly $7,000 in net profit for the Farmers’ Market to utilize.  This year, the dinner completely sold out of tickets for the first time selling a total of 150 tickets.