ket opens for the season on Saturday, June 14, bringing with it fresh produce, homemade goods, and a healthy dose of community spirit.
Located at the corner of Bryce and Church streets, the market will run every Saturday through October from 8 a.m. until noon. With vendors like JMac Produce, Ms. Shirley Whack, Ms. Lula Richardson, Costas Farms, and others soon to be announced, residents and visitors alike can expect a wide variety of homegrown offerings.
“Having a farmers market in Manning means more than just fresh food—it supports local growers, brings the community together, and gives neighbors a chance to connect, catch up, and meet the folks who grow their food,” said Carrie Trebil, Tourism and Main Street Manning Director.
One of the market’s returning favorites is JMac Produce, a family-run farm located just seven miles north of Manning. Owned and operated by Johnny McNair, JMac specializes in butter beans, peas, okra, sweet corn, and other Southern staples.
“My main crops are butter beans and peas—green and speckled—plus sweet corn and okra,” said McNair. “We also fill in with tomatoes, squash, zucchini, blueberries, blackberries, and watermelons. Just about everything.”
McNair, a third-generation farmer, began JMac Produce more than two decades ago after a career in agricultural sales. “I was raised on a farm, and I’ve been around farming all my life,” he said. “When I hit my early 50s, I figured I’d retire at 60 and wanted something to do that kept me connected to people.”
That connection remains strong today, especially at the Manning Farmers Market where he can often be found chatting with customers about the best varieties of peas and how to cook them. “My wife says I talk too much,” McNair joked. “But I have a passion for what I grow. When someone asks about butter beans or peas, I can’t help but explain all the differences.”
McNair’s family plays a big role in his farm and market stand. His daughter, Meigs Porter, and grandsons John Rollins and Hogan help at both the farm and market. “One of my grandsons likes to carry watermelons to people’s cars,” he said. “He usually ends up with a tip for that.”
For McNair, the market is more than a place to sell vegetables—it’s a tradition. “It’s an 18-week season, and yes, it gets hot,” he laughed. “But we look forward to it every year.”
The Farmers Market is part of a broader national movement supporting small-scale agriculture and healthy communities. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, markets like Manning’s help preserve rural livelihoods, stimulate local economies, and offer shoppers fresh, affordable produce. Markets also foster sustainability—three out of four farmers selling at markets use practices consistent with organic standards.
To become a vendor or for more information, contact City Hall of Manning at 803-435-8477.
As the growing season gets underway, marketgoers can expect more than just vegetables. They’ll find stories, history, family pride—and maybe a few tips on the best way to cook a Dixie Lee pea.
