Market at Tift in Albany for its 10th Year

Dec. 25—ALBANY — On one of the shortest days of the year, a 24-hour period when a rare severe cold front has plunged southwest Georgia down to temperatures of 20 or below, it’s hard to imagine the warmth and light that will return in the spring.

The Tift Park market, however, has March on its calendar.

Stephen Brimberry, President of Friends of Tift Park, was somewhat surprised to find that the market will open in March. This will be the 10th year of the event.

Early on, there was some concern in the community about the sustainability of the market that is held every Saturday from March to October.

The store has been visited by both locals as well as visitors from all over the world. On a Saturday, about 500 people go out to purchase everything from fresh vegetables to vinyl records.

Brimberry explained that they are still a destination for people from out of town. “We have had people as far as Australia.”

Although one man’s junk may be another’s treasure, there is more to the market than simply a place to purchase and sell items. Some people see it as a social outing that allows them to meet new people and maintain relationships.

Brimberry said, “It’s been an amazing connection for friendships.” It’s not about making money, it’s about showing Albany in an original way.

“I think that if you were to ask the seniors in your community, they would also tell you the same thing.”

A 90-year-old Albany woman selected the market as her venue for her birthday party because of its camaraderie. After realizing her apartment was too small, she said she would celebrate in the park on Saturday.

Brimberry explained that many people had come out to bring her gifts and cards. “It’s more than a marketplace, I suppose. This is what we wanted when it started. We wanted Tift Park have more memories.

Tallahassee has a market that opens with bagpipes. But the Friends’ president wants it to open with a lion’s howl. The site was once home of Tift Park Zoo. A resident male lion used to greet the day with his unique call.

Brimberry stated, “I would like to see that connection.” Brimberry said, “I would like to open our market with the roar of a lion because it is something that residents used to hear when they woke up in their neighborhood.” It is a symbol of the zoo.

Brimberry claimed that after years and no promises by Albany to improve Tift Park’s life, his city government has given up on investing.

Another occasion saw the promise made to the park that some antique lights would be placed in the park. These lights were already removed from other locations. He also said that this was not possible.

Brimberry indicated that he believes Albany could be a better destination city for activities other than business and shopping. He said there would be support at the park as well as downtown and other attractions.

He cited Thomasville and Tifton as examples of his vision. These vibrant downtowns allow people to shop and enjoy the scene.

Tift Market will continue to offer unique and different experiences for those who want to socialize and get out of the cold.