Farmer's Market will open May 11

Local farmers and craftsmen will be displaying their wares at a new location this year as the Alleghany County Farmers Market gears up for another season.

The market, sponsored by the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce, will open for business on Saturday, May 11. It was held in the parking lot of Farmer's Hardware prior to this year, when organizers decided to make a change. The market will be located in the parking lot of the Alleghany Campus of Wilkes Community College, which shares the former Cash and Carry building with JobLink, the Employment Security Commission and the chamber.

"One of the main reasons we moved to the new location was to allow it to grow," said Leanne Murray, chamber executive director, noting that the WCC lot offers more parking and more visibility. "Everyone loved it being at Farmer's (Hardware), but at the new location we hope we can piggy-back on traffic on the way to shopping centers in that higher-traffic area."

However, the new location is not all pluses, Murray said. "One major drawback is the lack of shade," she noted. However, the chamber has the answer to that one, utilizing two 10 by 20 tents that will be paid for by the market's $5 user fee — everyone who sells items at the market is required to pay the $5 every week prior to setting up items for sale. In the past, those selling at the market were required to pay the $5 fee to help cover the cost of insurance. This year, the insurance is being paid for through a grant from Western Carolina, therefore, Murray said the fees will be used to pay for the tents.

"The shady spots beneath the tents will be there on a first-come, first-served basis," Murray said.

Collecting money at the market will be Larry Cox, who serves as the market's manager.

Items acceptable for selling at the market include food items, plants, crafts, jams and jellies, honey, baked goods, candies, soaps, cider, molasses, syrup, herb vinegar and home-grown produce. Processed food sellers will be required to apply with the chamber and meet certain requirements. Some items will not be allowed at the market, including resale items (not made here), animals and unpasteurized dairy products.

Prepared Food Requirements Those wishing to sell prepared foods at the market will be required to have a kitchen inspection and water test completed prior to selling goods at the market.

An application to the chamber is also required prior to setting up at the market, Murray said. The applications may be picked up at the chamber office, but they were mailed out to most of last year's vendors. Those selling raw fruits or vegetables or crafts will be able to go directly to the market and pay their fees, rather than going through the application process first. Murray said the kitchen inspection is fairly simple and is done free of charge. The inspection is part of several measures put in place to limit liability should some problem be found in the future with canned goods or other prepared foods. "This way we can say we took a reasonable precaution," she said.

The inspector, Eddie Radford, can be reached at (919) 733-7366. The inspector requires seven to 10 days notice prior to an inspection and some paperwork is required.

The water test requires those who use water from a well or spring (town water users are excluded) to have a water test. Those seeking the tests must go to the Alleghany County Health Department to pick up a container and then fill it with a water sample. The sample then must be taken to Jefferson (879 Dan Walters Road) within 24 hours (containers for testing can also be picked up there). For more detailed directions, call 982-2828. For more information on requirements for the farmers market, call the local chamber at 372-5473 or Bob Edwards at the Alleghany County Cooperative Extension Service at 372-5597.

Getting the Word Out

Another change on the way for the market is new signage, Murray said. "Because of grant money, we have a hand-painted sign coming. We are also checking into some sign co-locations with the Christmas Tree Association." New signs are also planned at the market's new location. The chamber is currently trying to get the word out about the market via flyers, which have been going out to local merchants, bed and breakfast establishments, hotels and other areas.

The farmers market hours are set annually for Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon, from mid May until mid October.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back