Farmers market still looking for more vendors
Published 11:48 am Wednesday, May 15, 2013
There are still a few spaces available for local growers to set up shop at the Ironton Farmers Market.
Sam Heighton, market manager, said there are five spots remaining, and he has been actively looking for farmers to fill them.
“I’m doing some calling and driving around trying to find people who would like to do this,” Heighton said. “We think when the local crops come in we’ll pick up some, but we’d like to get some people going right now.”
The market had its soft opening at the end of April and Heighton said the past few weeks have been steady despite the cool and windy weather.
“It’s beaten our expectations so far for this time of the season,” he said. “Especially since this is the first year we’ve ever been organized.”
Sellers at the market have featured some fruits and vegetables, as well as plants, honey, maple syrup and home baked goods.
This weekend, Heighton said he hopes to see an influx of customers during the Gus Macker basketball tournament.
“We are hoping we’ll get some overflow there,” Heighton said. “We’re going to have some signs up so people will realize we are down there and maybe attract some new customers.”
The market will relocate for Friday and Saturday to a lot at Second and Center streets next to Central Hardware. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Heighton and the farmers are also prepping for a grand opening celebration June 1.
Details are still in the works, but there will be inflatables and a coloring contest for the children, a performance from the Yvonne Dekay School of Dance and a clothesline sale featuring art from the Ironton Artists Association.