Farmers Market
It is Farmers Market season! The weather is finally giving us some nice days and people seem to be more comfortable spending time outside their houses. This time of year brings us more options for grocery shopping. Local produce is an important and enjoyable part of community food systems. I encourage everyone in Greenup County to be aware of our local certified Farmers Market and to make plans to attend on a regular bases!
Greenup County Farmers Market begins with a soft opening on Saturday May 1. Location: between the Greenup County Extension Office, 35 Wurtland Avenue, Wurtland KY 41144 and the historic McConnell House. Hours will be Thursdays 3PM – 7PM and Saturdays 8AM- 1PM. Parking is available behind the McConnell House with a paved walk path to all vendor spots. Market is all outdoors.
You may wonder what the difference is between a certified market and a roadside product stand. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture states that “the demand for affordable, fresh, local and healthy foods is growing. With more than 160 successful farmers’ markets across the Commonwealth, spanning more than 110 counties and 2,700 vendors, farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer marketing are great ways to meet that demand. It’s simple for the consumer to find the products their looking for and buying local puts a face on your food with a connection between the consumer and farmer. Every action we take in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is aimed at helping farmers, farmers’ markets and agribusinesses in Kentucky.” https://www.kyagr.com/marketing/farmers-market.html
You will find that many of our vendors at the Greenup County Farmers Market have registered “Kentucky Proud” products and ALL of our producers are required to follow the guidelines published by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for Farmers Markets. They also receive guidance from our Greenup County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Linda Hieneman. You can reach her anytime by calling the Extension office at 606-836-0201. Her email is linda.hieneman@uky.edu.
As the Extension Agent for Fine Arts and Community Development in Greenup County, I am excited to report that we have an increase in artisan vendors at our market this year! Along with fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, jelly and jam, honey, eggs, homemade breads and sweets, gluten-free breads and sweets, you will find a variety of arts and craft items. We have handmade soap, carved gourds, crochet and hand sewn items, handmade jewelry and other decorative items, fishing lures, knives, bath bombs, lip balm, rolling pins, cutting boards, wood bases for charcuterie boards, hand carved wooden bowls, bird houses, special guest food trucks and games/educational opportunities for kids.
Our market is more than a quick stop for corn and beans when that season arrives – it is a family friendly destination for fun and discovering the talents of our local people. There will be live music the first Saturday of each month from 11 – 1. Thursday evenings will have special activities for kids. Plan to stay a while and take it all in!
I believe you will find that all of our Greenup County Farmers Market vendors will show you the respect and dedication to their products and our community when you visit our certified market. We will also have t-shirts and reusable shopping bags with our new market logo this year. Thank you and shout out to designer, Suzanna Stephens, owner of Designs on You for doing our graphic design work as a community business partner.
When shopping at the certified Greenup County Farmers Market, you can be sure that the produce you are purchasing was grown by the farmer/vendor who is selling it to you. That is a rule of our market. The only reselling allowed MUST be posted at the booth AND only items that are not in season and available from another vendor. You do not have this assurance elsewhere. You can ask the farmers about their growing process and they would be happy to discuss with you! You can also discuss the creative process with our artisans and crafters. They have been juried and approved with the assurance that they are creating their products in their own homes or at a local studio. Many of our vendors take orders and do custom creations. Come and meet them and get connected with the BEST gift-giving connections in our area! (It is even ok to buy gifts for yourself.)
You are welcome to attend the market any time and every time it is open. Please make sure to mark your calendar for the GRAND OPENING on Saturday, June 5. We’ll be getting closer to harvesting season with our farmers so the availability will increase as we get closer to summertime. You never know exactly what you’ll find at the Farmers Market. Don’t miss out! I’ll see you there.
Contact Anne Stephens, Greenup County Extension Agent for Fine Arts and Community Development at 606-836-0201, 35 Wurtland Avenue, Wurtland, KY 41144. anne.stephens@uky.edu Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING
