Farmers’ Market Season Opens on Saturday
Larry King, owner and farmer for the End of the Road Organic Farm, urges everyone to “know their local farmers and their local foods” by attending this year’s opening day event for the 2016 season of the McCreary County Farmers’ Market on Saturday May 7, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until sold out (usually about noon.) King, along with other local farmers and crafters, will offer a variety of items grown or hand crafted in McCreary or neighboring counties. Those visiting the market can expect to find a variety of items including fresh organic produce like salad greens, broccoli, cabbage, and heirloom green beans along with country eggs, soap, and corn husk dolls.
Organizers of the McCreary County Farmers’ Market are getting an earlier start on the season this year than in the past.
“Last year, the market wasn’t open until mid-June,” market manager Adam Phillips commented. “Most folks said that was too late, and many had already had some produce they could have been selling at the market. We decided to get an earlier start this year with a May 7 opening day.”
Opening day will be “family day” with lots of activities planned for the whole family including live music from Joe Lamay and Sherri Reese, live music from Sarah Patrick, inflatables for kids, face painting by the McCreary County Extension Service 4-H, and other events. Knife of the Party Catering will be on hand as a food vendor.
This year, the market will offer new reusable shopping bags with the McCreary County Farmers’ Market logo printed on them. The first twenty-five shoppers on opening day will receive a free bag, and the bags will be available for purchase from the market manager.
The market does accept credit and debit cards, along with SNAP/EBT (food stamps) on eligible food items.
“Thanks to a grant received in 2015, we have ‘double dollar’ funding which allows us to essentially charge half price on food products for those who buy using SNAP/EBT,” Phillips remarked.
After opening day, the market will be open every Saturday through the summer and into the fall at the same time. Vendors will be open until sold out so it is always wise to arrive early to get the best selection of produce.
The local farmers’ market requires all items sold be grown or hand crafted in McCreary or one of its neighboring counties. Members can join for the season or pay a small fee to set up by the day at the market. Prices are set by the vendor/member for all items sold with tables and tablecloths provided by the market.
Since all produce sold is locally grown, not all produce is available at all times of the season.
“We have to remember some produce grows best at different times of the year,” Phillips stated. “Our members and vendors do their best to have a good selection throughout the year, but some items just may not be available at certain times.”
For more information about the McCreary County Farmers’ Market, contact Adam Phillips at (606) 376-3008 or e-mail famersmarket@mccrearycounty.com. You can also visit farmersmarket.mccrearycounty.com or visit the McCreary County Farmers’ Market on Facebook.
