Local producers have worked for the past year to develop their “dream” farmers’ market, and beginning this month vendors will set up for the first time on the public square selling products, ranging from produce to pottery.
The market will offer produce from local farmers and gardeners, primitive items and entertainment. The main focus of the market is “hand made or home grown.”
Local producers worked together to form the The Farmers’ Market on the Square and the market is certified as a Kentucky Proud Market.
“Our goal is to bring healthy food back that is reasonably priced,” Armitage said.
One of the benefits of having a farmers’ market is knowing where the food is coming from, she continued.
“You can meet your farmer,” Armitage said. “It’s important that we know where our food comes from and who grew it.”
The market could also help boost the local ag community.
“For a small community like this, this is keeping our money in our community and supporting our local agriculture,” Armitage said. “It’s keeping our local small farmers in business.”
Producers will also be able to sell items such as eggs, meats, honey or baked items.
Armitage said there are various rules and regulations for those types of products. Those who wish to set up at the market can contact Armitage who said she will work with producers one-on-one and educate them on how to begin the process.
“We want to remove the frightening aspect of it,” Armitage said. “We want it to be customer and vendor friendly. We want to enjoy the market.”
Since the market will also include primitive items and arts and crafts, the group has established provisions that items be venue appropriate. Resale or yard sale items are not allowed.
“If you make it, bake it, we can sell it,” said Wayne Armitage.
One of the goals of the group was also to find a prime location that is easily accessible. Armitage said the public square is the perfect place for the market because it is “the center of town.”
Vendors can sign up for two types of memberships available—annual at $50 and $15 daily. The market is also open to producers throughout Kentucky and not just in Adair County.
The market will begin on Saturday, April 20 and run through the end of October. It will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the annex parking lot. Vendors would need to set up prior to 8 a.m.
For more information or for vendor applications, call 250-2979.
By Allison Cross
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