The Bath County extension office has been working with the farmers market group to increase their opportunities in the county.  In 2017 the farmers market association, with support from the extension ag program,  was granted permission to use the Kentucky market pavilion by the extension district to conduct sales through December.  This allowed local farmers 3 additional months to market late fall produce in an indoor setting.  To enhance sales and attract more buyer to the market, the group actively recruited local artisans to be a part of the market and participate in the 3 month sale period.  According to the 12 participants, the additional 3 month sales period increased gross revenue by more than $10,000.  The extension office works closely with the group to assist in marketing and promotion and worked to help develop their business model.  The farmers market association has once again requested the district board allow them to have the market pavilion for the same 2 month period beginning in October 2018 and the board has granted them that use.  In 2017, the idea came late in the season, where the participants didn't have much time to plan and grow for the late market.  Now, in 2018, growers are actively planning their production and marketing programs and everyone feels like the total revenue from October through December may be double what the 2017 season provided.  As an added bonus, 15 local artisans will be participating with the farmers market growers throughout the summer at the farmers market, providing additional opportunities for customers to shop.  These craft members will also be at the market in the fall.  The Kentucky Market Pavilion was an idea, developed by Bath County Leadership and the extension office, to provide a location for local crafters and marketers to develop their individual business by marketing through the pavilion.  I feel that by opening up the pavilion to local produce growers and local artisans, we are fulfilling that initial plan to provide a central location that will enhance the marketing opportunity of our local citizens.  In 2017 it provided an additional $10,000 in income, in 2018 the hopes are that number will be at least double.  If this year is successful, the plans are to keep this relationship ongoing into the foreseeable future.