Author: Sarah Fannin
Planning Unit: Morgan County CES
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Plan of Work: 1. Local Foods Grow Local Dollars
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
The year 2022 brought an unexpected weather event to the Morgan County Extension Council’s Market in Park – unprecedented rain that unfortunately led to some of the worst flooding in Eastern Ky history. Quick planning allowed the volunteers to move the event indoors to the Index Community Center. Despite such conditions, over 400 participants and 40 vendors participated.
“Market in the Park” …. Or “Market in the Community Center” for this year … brings together Farmers Market members, local artisans, and craftspeople to provide a space where county residents can easily recognize and access locally produced foods and goods. Tourism funds and bank sponsorship also provided free tenderloin sandwiches from a local meat harvesting facility "The Chop Shop" and cooked by local celebrity chef and county extension council member. This is the only event in Morgan County to provide totally home made and locally produced products.
Results of this event include:
•Increased support for local Farmers Market including attendance and sales
•New marketing outlet made available for many home based entrepreneurs
•Approximately $35,000 generated for the local economy and sellers
*Almost $2,000 donated for flood relief in East Ky.
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