During the summer of 1977, farmers and gardeners concerned with the need for alternatives in the food distribution process participated in a series of Food Fairs in Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport. Recognizing the need for other alternative marketing approaches and the need for ‘direct to consumer sales’ through Food Fairs, a group of these farmers formed the Tri-Cities Farmers Association for Retail Marketing, a non-profit membership organization. The association changed its name to the Kingsport Farmers Market in the early 90s.

The Kingsport Farmers Market has been operating out of the renovated Quebecor facility on the corner of Center & Clinchfield Streets since August 3rd, 2012.