By Josh Spickler

I have no idea what the weather’s like while you’re reading this, but as I’m writing it, it’s chilly outside. And on Feb. 11, at Peabody Elementary, it will be chili inside. Get it? Chilly outside. Chili inside. Get it? I’ve been waiting five years to use that joke, which, of course, is not original. Regardless, it’s time for the Fifth Annual Cooper-Young/Peabody PTA Chili Cook-off! Can you believe it’s been five years?

With your help, over the past five years, we’ve raised more than $6,000 toward beautification on and around the Peabody Elementary campus. We’ve installed new play equipment, new landscaping, fresh paint and other exterior improvements that help Peabody and Cooper-Young shine for visitors and residents alike.

But not only do we raise money for a good cause, we have fun doing it. You’d be surprised how many different ways there are to make chili. Hot, exotic, Texas or Cincinnati style. We always get a little of everything, and the chili and the neighbors are a warm respite on a cold, winter afternoon.

So, in just a few short days, no matter the weather, there will be plenty of hot, delicious chili available for your consumption in the Peabody Elementary Cafetorium. And, despite what our moms taught us, we’re going to judge. There will be awards in the following categories: Judges’ Choice (decided by our celebrity panel of chili experts, of course), People’s Choice, Best Vegetarian, Best Hot and Most Unusual.

Soak those beans, brown that beef, plug in that Crock Pot and meet us at Peabody Elementary on Saturday, Feb. 11 at high noon to see who takes home the prizes this year. It’s only $15 to register before Feb. 3 ($20 after Feb. 3). Contact mandygrisham@gmail.com or visit friendsofpeabody.org/ for registration information.

If you only want to eat the chili, you can do that, too. Five bucks gets you four generous tastings (more than enough to count as lunch) and a drink. Get there early when the chili is still warm and, well, still there. We’ll crown the winners at 1:30 sharp. Don’t miss it.

By David Royer

It’s February, when the LampLighter brings readers its annual Cooper-Young business guide, and despite a chilly national economy, things seem to be warming up around here. If a word could sum up the state of business in Cooper-Young lately, it might be: delicious.

Thirteen new businesses opened their doors in CY in 2011 and another three opened or are ready to open in the first two months of 2012.

Local businesses Charm Boutique, Shoenista and the Polish Bottle filled a need for fashionistas in the neighborhood, and hipster magnet Urban Outfitters anchored a revitalized retail spot at Cooper and Central last February. With more than 140 locations in the country, Urban Outfitters, a trendy clothing and dorm room décor outlet, is one of the few national retailers to establish a presence in the district’s mostly home-grown business community.

But mainly, growth in 2011 and early 2012 centered around CY’s thriving culinary scene.

“In 2011, we were excited to see Cooper-Young established as the restaurant district of Memphis, with 18 restaurants,” said Tamara Cook, director of the Cooper Young Business Association. “We have such a strong group of talented chefs.”

Sweetgrass opened a more casual side of its low-country-themed restaurant next door, at the appropriately titled Next Door. Stone Soup Cafe & Market is serving up breakfast and brunch across the street from First Congregational Church and Skunx Chef’s Pub took over the old Lou’s Pizza Pie spot on Young late last year, serving gourmet pizzas and more. And there aren’t many places in Memphis that serve real vegan fare, but Imagine Vegan Cafe began doing just that on Young.

The neighborhood’s newest restaurant, Mulan Bistro, is updating the former Bluefish space on the southeast corner of Cooper and Young and expects to open its doors in early February.

Mulan, a Chinese restaurant and sushi bar, opened in Collierville eight years ago, but managing partner Matt Kan said customers for years had requested a location in Midtown. Kan said Mulan will offer fresh, authentic Szechuan-style entrees along with sushi. But don’t look for an American-style buffet. Mulan’s head chef has 30 years of experience in the kitchen and previously worked in a five-star hotel in China, he said.

Kan said he’s a big fan of Cooper-Young, which reminds him of his hometown in China.

“I always come here to eat in the Cooper-Young area,” Kan said. “The Midtown area is really unique.”

Another unique-in-Memphis hotspot opened in November. When Alchemy brought its small-plate dishes and cocktail concoctions to the neighborhood, it also brought a sexy, cosmopolitan vibe and major crowds of up to 600 people on some busy weekend nights, general manager Ben McLean said.

The restaurant soon began offering valet parking to ease congestion and entice diners from outside the area.

“We like Cooper-Young because it’s kind of a destination now for restaurants,” McLean said. “We plan on being in Cooper-Young for a very long time.”

Though the neighborhood has seen some turnover among businesses in the past few years ― Alchemy took over the space vacated by Grace and Au Fond and another taco shop lasted just a month ― some restaurateurs said the competition is healthy.

“What’s happened in Cooper-Young is a rebirth, and it’s fantastic,” said Jacob Leonard, bar manager at Cortona. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Cortona, a contemporary Italian restaurant, began packing diners in at the former Dish location early in 2011 and will mark its first anniversary this month. Managers say they like being at the center of the city’s restaurant scene.

Both Cook and McLean noted a need for more retail and art in the district in 2012. But CY’s new reputation among diners could provide a foundation that would support a wider range of businesses this year, Cook said.

“We hope the stability and diversity of these restaurants will help bring in more retail and art venues,” she said.

Memphis Skate Park opens

By Barb Elder

The official opening of the long-awaited Memphis Skate Park was Wednesday, November 9. The park is located close to CY on Avery at Toby Fields next to the dog park. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, “the park features 2 bowls, a snake run, as well as ramps and rails for skaters of all levels to enjoy.” If you are looking for a fun way to work off those holiday calories, look no further!

Santa poses with pets at Hollywood Feed

By George Grider

A Cooper-Young animal rescue group will be sponsoring Santa photos with pets this holiday season. Pet Matchmaker Rescue will be hosting the event at Hollywood Pet Stores the first two weekends of December. Photos are printed and delivered to jubilant shoppers in a smart frame. We request a $10 tax deductible donation.

Santa will appear during the first two weekends of December. He can be found at Hollywood Feed at 2648 Broad Ave. on Saturday, December 3 and 10 from 11am-3pm and at Hollywood Feed at 2015 Union Ave. on Sunday, December 4 and 11 from 12pm-4pm. Animal owners are invited to pose with their pets as well.

Rave reviews for Alchemy

By Barb Elder

I’ve been reading reviews and articles about one of the newest CY restaurants, Alchemy, all month. The Commercial Appeal, Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Magazine, and others seem to have nothing but good to say. But it wasn’t until I drove by 940 S. Cooper on a random Tuesday night and saw the place completely packed that I began to think, “Maybe this place is here to stay.” I guess it’s too early to tell, but they seem to be off to a great start.

Here are the bare bones facts that I gleaned from these articles. Alchemy takes great pride in their bar, which apparently has fantastic and original cocktails, and serves a variety of small plates. The atmosphere is also reportedly wonderful. Alchemy is open from 4pm-1am Monday through Saturday and 4pm-10pm on Sunday. You can call 901-726-4444 for more information or visit them on Facebook.

Weight management help from the Church Health Center

By Jeff Hulett

Free Healthy Bodies classes are being offered for the month of December at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue, every Monday at 9am, Tuesday at 6:15pm, and Saturday at 8:30am. Healthy Bodies is a complete weight management program all about healthy lifestyle changes. Topics range from portion sizes to reading food labels, exercise, and emotional eating. For more information, call Carissa at 901-259-4673, ext. 1663.

Pamper yourself at The Polish Bottle

By Barb Elder

There is a new nail and skin salon in Cooper-Young called the The Polish Bottle. They describe themselves on their Facebook page, saying “The Polish Bottle is a full service nail and skin salon. We offer all phases of natural nail care, waxing, and facials. Come in and enjoy a margarita and a manicure or perhaps a glass of wine with a pedicure. If you want to brighten up your skin make an appointment for our signature Vita-C facial and walk away with that healthy skin glow. Parties and private events are scheduled by appointment.”

If this piques your interest, head over to 2163 Young Avenue or call 901-272-0920. They are open Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-6pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-7pm, and Saturday from 9am-3pm.

Classical concert at Grace-St. Luke’s

By Patricia Gray

The Luna Nova Ensemble will perform at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (1720 Peabody) on Monday, December 12 at 7:30pm. This free concert will feature music from the 17^th through the 20^th century and includes new arrangements of Renaissance dances by Praetorius, a movement from Bach’s suite set for vibraphone, a set of prayers by the French Impressionist composer Andre Caplet, and a new work for horn and vibraphone by Canadian composer Jan Jarvlepp. Performers are Esther Gray Lemus (soprano), Daniel Gilbert (violin), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), Robert Patterson (horn), David Carlisle (percussion), Wesley Emerson and Andrew Drannon (organ).

The concert will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. For more information, visit lunanova.org or call 901-493-0958.

Lou’s Pizza Pies to become Skunx Chef Pub

By Barb Elder

MicroMemphis.com does a great job covering local CY news. In a recent article by MicroMemphis reporter Adam Douglas, plans were laid out to slowly transform Lou’s Pizza Pies into Skunx Chef Pub. The qualities that everyone loves about Lou’s will remain, for example much of the menu will carry over. But the new manager Duncan Aiken is working to, among other things, improve the restaurant atmosphere, obtain a license to sell wine in addition to beer, and to make the restaurant a late night destination. The changes are being implemented gradually as the restaurant remains open. Skunx should be in full swing around the new year.

Arts Access offers free arts tickets to the underserved

By Julia McDonald

ArtsMemphis announces that the 2011-12 Arts Access brochures are now available in more than 100 locations across the community. Arts Access is a program sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care that allows eligible individuals to experience arts exhibitions and performances at nearly 30 venues at no cost. The program is open to EBT cardholders, Church Health Center patients, TennCare patients, and Tickets for Troops member families. Information on obtaining a free Arts Access card and event brochure is available at artsmemphis.org/artsaccess.

An Arts Access card allows a cardholder to reserve up to four tickets for 150 different arts events listed in the Arts Access brochure. Participating arts groups include Playhouse on the Square, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Hattiloo Theatre.

Redeemer Presbyterian Church holds Christmas Eve service for the community

By Gil Brandon

Redeemer’s annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will take place from 5-6pm on Saturday, December 24, with great Christmas music and the always-popular children’s sermon! Redeemer meets in the auditorium at Snowden School (McLean and North Parkway). Nursery will be provided through age 2. Make this a part of your Christmas tradition. All are welcome to attend.

J.C. Graham fills Gallery Fifty Six

By Richard Kendrickson

Memphis artist J.C. Graham will present a new body of work at Gallery Fifty Six in December. His show is titled Sound Advice For the Parents of Unruly Children. The artist has relied heavily upon assemblage constructions for this exhibit, and has continued themes that have remained predominant in his work for several years – Southern US homonyms, rigid patriarchal familial structures, expectations, and the artist’s experiences with each during his upbringing in rural Arkansas.

The show is available for viewing from December 2 thru December 30, with an artist’s reception set for Friday, December 2 at 8pm. Gallery Fifty Six is located at 2256 Central Avenue. Regular gallery hours are Wed. – Fri. noon to 4pm and Sat. 11am to 4pm. Call 901-276-1251 for more information or visit their website at galleryfiftysix.com.

Lindenwood Christian Church holiday events

By Chris Nemec

December means great music at Lindenwood Christian Church. Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to stop and savor the season. On Sunday, December 4 at 7:30pm The Christmas Spectacular 2011! will take the stage. This is one of the Mid-South’s favorite holiday concerts, with the Lindenwood Chancel Choir, orchestra, soloists, trumpeter Ryan Anthony, organist Chris Nemec, and conductor Gary Beard. Included will be such favorites as “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and familiar carols. Premieres to the Mid-South area include a new “Fanfare” by John Rutter and Nigel Hess’ “Christmas Overture.” General admission tickets are $12.

On Saturday, December 24 at 5pm there will be the Family Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight, Carols, and Communion. This free 45-minute service includes music by members of The King’s Choir and the Lindenwood clergy in a family-friendly atmosphere. Later that day, at 11pm, join us for A Service of Lessons and Carols. The Christmas story unfolds through word and music as the Lindenwood clergy, the Lindenwood Chancel Choir, and trumpeter Ryan Anthony usher in Christmas morning. Included will be Holy Communion. Preceding the service, at 10:30pm, will be caroling by Laudate! in the candlelit Grand Foyer. This event is also free.

Call 901-458-1652 or email chris.nemec@Lindenwood.net for more information about these events. Lindenwood Christian Church is located at 2400 Union Ave. and is handicap accessible.

David Perry Smith Gallery December show

By Barb Elder

In a recent press release, David Perry Smith Gallery announced the opening of their new show called Creative Holidays that features new work from artists Greg Gustafson, Andy Reed, Charlotte Terrell, Bob Eoff, Jancie Alebertine, Warren Greene, Martica Griffin, Alex Walter, Mitchell Gaudet, Rod Moorhead, Robby Johnston, Mary Long-Postal, Laurie Samuels, and John Sadowski. The opening reception is to be held Friday, December 2, from 5-8pm, and the show will be available for viewing December 1 thru December 29. David Perry Smith Gallery is located at 703 New York, and gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-5pm. For more information go to davidperrysmithgallery.com or call 901-606-9690.

By Andy Ashby

This January, the Cooper-Young Community Association is organizing an event to raise money for a planned mural on McLean Boulevard. Stone Soup Café and four Cooper-Young homeowners are hosting a “Moveable Feast” on Friday, January 27, 2012 starting at 6pm. This will consist of two groups of 20 people each enjoying a three-course meal at three different stops. For each group, the first house will serve salads and appetizers, and the second house will serve an entrée. Then, both groups will meet at Stone Soup Café (993 S. Cooper) for dessert.

Tickets are $20 and will be available for sale at the CYCA offices (2298 Young Ave.). All proceeds will go toward the McLean Mural Project, which will brighten up a popular gateway to the neighborhood.

Local artist Carl E. Moore has designed a mural to be painted underneath the railroad overpass on McLean Boulevard near Central Avenue. He plans on starting this summer. The entire project will cost $5,000, which includes cleaning and treating the surfaces, as well as designing and painting the murals. The CYCA has raised $1,500 so far. The Moveable Feast money, paired with funds raised from the Santa picture event in November, should put us at $2,500, which would be enough to paint one side.

The CYCA is approaching other organizations to raise the remainder of the funds. We may also organize more fundraisers to generate the rest of the money. If you’d like to buy tickets or donate to the McLean Mural Project, stop by the CYCA offices or call Andy Ashby at 901-691-2396.

By Renée Massey

I can think of several reasons why you or I might want to pick up a meal or a nice appetizer on our way home any time of the year – a friend just had a baby and could use a break from daily chores like cooking, a neighbor is ill and could use some help with dinners, or an acquaintance is having a potluck. In every case, we might want to help or participate, but we’re busy! During the chaos of the holiday season, that is even more true. However much we love the holidays, it leaves most of us with packed schedules and little time to prepare a meal for ourselves and our families, even when there’s not something special going on like a new baby, an illness, or a party. And as you’ve been learning all year, your Cooper-Young Community Association membership has more to offer than just supporting the mission of making Cooper-Young a safer and more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play. It can get you a discount on that meal that you pick up on the way home!

Fork It Over Catering at 2299 Young Avenue offers a 5% discount on any in-store food purchase when a CYCA membership card is presented. Perfect! Michelle Campbell, owner of Fork It Over, told me, “I am a firm believer that you should support the community that you are in. This community is very supportive of small, local businesses. It is a close-knit community with people who take great pride in where they live and who they are.”

She describes Fork It Over as a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to food. If you are not acquainted with Fork It Over, they provide prepared meals that are ready to heat and eat. Their menu, offering four entrées and six side dishes, changes weekly and is updated every week on their website, forkitovercatering.com. They carry frozen entrées, casseroles, and appetizers in their freezer case. They can cater large parties (think weddings or business cocktail parties) or small book club dinners at home. Catering menus are also on the website. As you head into the holiday season, think about Fork It Over for Christmas and New Year’s parties. They do fried turkeys, spiral hams, and all the fixin’s. In addition to being a membership sponsor, Fork It Over has provided food for CYCA events like the Art for Art’s Sake Auction art preview. So show your thanks for their support by supporting Fork It Over!

Now back to that holiday season. Part of what keeps us so busy during the holidays is, let’s be honest, holiday shopping. Keep it simple this season by shopping close to home. You will be supporting your neighborhood businesses, and at Burke’s Books that CYCA membership card gets you a discount again. Burke’s Books is at 936 South Cooper, and CYCA members get a 10% discount. Owner Cheryl Mesler says that after living in the neighborhood for nearly 20 years, she and husband Corey jumped at the chance to move Burke’s from Poplar Avenue to CY when the opportunity came up. They love the foot traffic in the neighborhood, which encourages patrons from other businesses and restaurants to come in and browse. Browsing at Burke’s Books is encouraged! The Meslers are especially excited about the new coffee-table book Memphians, which features over 200 notable Memphians (including some from Cooper-Young). Stop by Burke’s Books and let the staff show you the new book or maybe buy the Tsunami cookbook or the Cooper-Young history book as a Christmas gift for a friend or neighbor. Shop and give local this year and remember to thank Burke’s Books for being a CYCA sponsor when you go in.

The membership year is ending but a new one is right around the corner. If you are a CYCA member, you will be seeing a membership renewal in your mailbox soon. Please renew to support the unique things happening in this neighborhood. If you are not a member, consider joining us in 2012. You not only receive great discounts like the ones at Burke’s Books and Fork It Over Catering, but you will be supporting the Community Association whose mission is to make Cooper-Young a more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play. You can join by visiting us online at cooperyoung.org, by filling out the membership form on page ? of this paper, or by contacting our office at 2298 Young Ave or 901-272-2922. Thank you for your support!

By Debbie Sowell

Mark your calendars! Tuesday, December 13 is the day when all your hard work will be rewarded. We have lots to celebrate at the end of another year. Did you read the article about our year in review on page ? We have been busy and could not have accomplished anything if not for our dedicated residents always ready to step up and make things happen.

This holiday party and volunteer appreciation extravaganza will take place from 6-8pm at The Stone Soup Café & Market (993 S. Cooper). Fork It Over Catering will be there with bells on to serve up their best eats, and Stone Soup will provide the desserts. In addition, the Alexia Hampton Memorial Award will be presented to the volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service to Cooper-Young and the CYCA this year.

So come one, come all and enjoy one another’s company. If you have volunteered in CY in any way, this party if for you. If you want to get involved in CY, this party is for you. If you want to get to know your neighbors, this party is for you. All are welcome. See you there.

Ever wanted to make your own beer, but weren’t sure where to start? This event is for YOU! There will be brewing demonstrations, knowledgeable home brewers to talk to, kits to buy and, of course, a variety of homebrew to sample (21+)!

For more information, please click here or visit the Bluff City Brewers website.

By Barb Elder

While our cover story this month features the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market and their recent decision to operate year-round, we also want to acknowledge a group that has been working in CY providing fresh winter farm products for some time.

Four years ago, Ben Smith of Tsunami restaurant invited a group of Memphis Farmers Market vendors to extend their season by selling their wares in his parking lot. As a result, the Tsunami Winter Market was born. This November the Tsunami Winter Market is gearing up once again to offer farm fresh meats, fish, cheeses, eggs, veggies, preserves, breads, and even natural soaps in the Tsunami parking lot located at 928 S. Cooper. The market will be open for business every Saturday from 9am-1pm beginning on November 5 and continuing into April until the Memphis Farmers Market resumes.

Since its inception, the Tsunami Winter Market has remained a loosely organized group headed by Van Cheeseman of Flora Gardens. Van is happy to be involved with the Winter Market as it helps promote Tsunami restaurant and all that Ben Smith has done to shape the Memphis food world.

Most of the farmers represented at the market grow their produce using cold frames, which allows them to harvest produce year round. Many vendors come to the market on a weekly basis, but some rotate through every other week. If you have questions about the Tsunami Winter Market or if you would like to sign up for their newsletter, which includes a complete list of vendors from week to week, email Van Cheeseman at vanlee2001@yahoo.com. And while you’re at it, take a minute this Thanksgiving to realize how truly blessed we are to have two great markets in our very own neighborhood.

By Suzzane Striker

Soon you will find a flyer on your door asking for donations for the annual Cooper-Young Thanksgiving Food Drive. 1^st Congregational Church’s Loaves and Fishes food pantry (located at Cooper and Walker) needs our help. Like all such pantries in these difficult times, the Loaves and Fishes food pantry is experiencing an increase in those who need their services and a decrease in donations.

What makes the Loaves and Fishes food pantry distinct from other pantries is that it provides assistance to residents who live right here in Cooper-Young, Idlewild, and surrounding areas. What would be a simple trip to MIFA for most of us can be a complicated ordeal for those who lack transportation. These individuals have to ride the bus and then carry food bags back home on a bus. For those who are struggling with health issues or who have small children in tow, the trip is even more daunting. Once a month, members of 1^st Congo Church help local residents get to the Loaves and Fishes pantry to pick up food and then take them home.

The church serves hot meals on Sunday, and on Tuesday and Thursday they serve hot lunch and snacks. Many kids stop by on their way home from school. For some a late lunch is also their dinner. People can also pick up emergency staples to carry them over until they can come to the monthly grocery shopping Sunday. These services are why having a local community food pantry is so important and why our CY food drive is so essential for the pantry, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Remember, recipients of food from Loaves and Fishes are our neighbors. Some have become victims of layoffs, some are single parents who work hard but can’t make ends meet, some live on fixed incomes, and some are dealing with unexpected, serious medical issues. Anyone in our neighborhood can use the services at the pantry in a time of need.

All donations, monetary or non-perishable foods, are welcome, but the pantry is in particular need of Vienna sausages, fruit juices, and individually wrapped snacks. The Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held Saturday, November 19, from 9 to 10am. If you would like to make a donation and/or help deliver flyers or pick up donations the day of the food drive, please contact Suzzane Striker at suzzanes@comcast.net or phone 901-276-6450.

By Sue Easley

Good news Cooper-Young and Memphians! Local food lovers will be able to continue shopping for the region’s best locally produced products during the cool months in Memphis. The Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market (CYCFM) has expanded to a year-round market starting November 5, 2011. By extending the market season, the market will allow more small farmers to continue bringing in income for their families and their businesses, while also providing fresh, nutritious food to the community all year. Additionally, the market’s rapidly growing EBT/SNAP program and matching funds incentive, Double Green$, will continue to be available to food stamp recipients.

“A year-round market in Cooper-Young is a natural next step for CYCFM,” said market manager Debbi La Rue. “It gives us an opportunity to support our farmers who are now prolonging the growing season using structures such as hoophouses. Year-round also means continued access to fresh, healthful foods for area residents, including those who rely on food stamp assistance.”

“Just because it’s cool outside does not mean you can no longer get local, farm-fresh produce,” said farmer and board chair Lori Greene. “Besides the many storage and root vegetables such as carrots, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and winter squash, our farmers will have a variety of greens, such as kale, arugula, spinach, and Asian greens during the winter.”

The year-round market will feature a number of new and returning vendors selling fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, prawns, farm eggs, regional artisan cheeses, mushrooms, breads, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, jams and preserves, and other specialty items. Locally roasted coffee will be available by the bag or the drink along with other beverages. The market’s popular Etsy and Friends Artisan Faires will continue on a regular basis, with more planned for the holiday season.

“On behalf of our farmers, food vendors, and artisans, I want to express our excitement as we take this next step in growing our local food movement,” Greene added. “And, what better place to shop, eat, and ‘get local’ than the up-and-coming Cooper-Young food district!”

The opening of the year-round market follows a growing trend of such markets across the US. There are now almost 900 winter farmers markets in the nation, which represents 14 percent of all farmers markets in the country, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s website.

The Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of First Congregational Church at 1000 South Cooper and runs from 8am to 1pm through October 29. From November 5 through mid-April, hours will be 9am to 1pm. Ample free parking is available in First Congo’s parking lot and on the street.

The Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market, founded in 2009, is a grassroots-initiated, volunteer-run project of Slow Food Memphis, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. As its mission, CYCFM seeks to cultivate a vibrant, socially diverse community gathering place that promotes the viability of regional agriculture, fosters health and wellness, and ensures widespread access to affordable, nutritious food.