The Hayden Farms Fall Market will return to Whitesville on Sunday, marking the first day of fall. Danielle and Daniel Hayden organize the event, which offers a blend of local vendors, family fun, and fall festivities.
“We decided to move the event back to Sunday this year because we felt like it was easier for people to attend,” Danielle Hayden said.
The entrance is free, and parking will be $5 per car. The event is located at 1195 New Cut Road in Whitesville.
This year’s market will feature nearly 70 small businesses offering a variety of handmade goods and local products. Hayden said attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities, including free chicken house tours, inflatables, and farm play areas built with repurposed materials from around the farm.
She added that Kentucky’s largest swing will also return, with a new addition to the play area that they plan to expand every year.
New attractions this year include face painting by the Corporate Hippie, a bubble tent hosted by Blue Laundry Co., and a “touch a tractor” area courtesy of Wright Implement. Western Kentucky Birth Services and Hand Therapy and More will provide free water throughout the day.
There’s also live music, with performances by Hayley Payne and King’s Highway.
“We’re excited to have added another band this year to keep the energy going all day long,” Hayden said.
The market, which started in 2019 with just three vendors and 70 attendees, has grown substantially over the years. In 2020, the event saw a surge in attendance as more people sought outdoor activities during the pandemic, leading to an increase in vendors and offerings.
The Haydens are also committed to making the event a family-friendly experience, with inflatables, yard games, and a chance to explore the farm’s nature paths.
“Each year, this event has grown and changed — it’s a lot of fun for us to fine-tune and add to it,” Hayden said. “We couldn’t pull off an event of this size without the help of the farm staff, our friends, and our family.”
Food lovers can choose from a wide selection of vendors offering everything from desserts to specialty coffees and adult beverages. In addition to the usual fun, local students can also participate in a scarecrow contest, creating unique displays for attendees to enjoy.
Visit the Hayden Farms blog to find out more details, including a full list of vendors and updated information during market week.
This year’s sponsors include Perdue, Farm Credit, Hayden Electric, Robert Edge Insurance, and Wright Implement.
