The problem

Since being hired with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in September of 2021, I have worked diligently to rejuvenate the atmosphere and activeness of the Whitley County Farmers Market. With housing two different cities within the perimeters of Whitley County, the Whitley County Farmers Market takes place in two different locations on a weekly basis. In years past, there was an overwhelming difference in the number of Vendors as well as Market-Comers in each of those locations with Corbin seemingly having much more participation on market days over Williamsburg. In Corbin, this past market season the most vendors that were present on site during the market was 11. On average 7 vendors were present at each market. However, in Williamsburg, the most vendors that were present on site during the market season was 3 and on average only 1 vendor was setting up for most markets. 

The educational program response

The Whitley County Cooperative Extension noticed this problem very early on and decided to make an effort towards building the atmosphere as well as participation of the Farmers Market in both locations. The Horticulture program decided that we would spend more time marketing and advertising the opening of the Whitley County Farmers Market for the 2024 Market Season. Our advertising strategies included Ads in our quarterly Newsletter, discussions on air during our weekly radio slot, as well as making the commitment to be present working a University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service booth at both locations- weekly. During our time at the market, we will advocate the services provided by the extension service as well as distribute our newsletters, nutritional educational material, SNAP Recipes as well as Cook Wild Recipes. Another response to the problem was advocating for the Williamsburg Market Location to be moved to the Whitley County Extension Office Market Pavilion on Saturday mornings instead of the downtown location on Thursday nights. We believe that by switching the location of the market it will enable the market to have more opportunity of visibility to the public as well as ample space for the market to continue to grow. 

The participants/target audience

The Whitley County Extension Office has worked diligently to target ALL of the Whitley County community in both the Corbin and Williamsburg areas. We want to make sure that EVERYONE is aware of the market dates and times as well making them fill wanted and included in the markets. We have also targeted clients that we have worked with in their home gardens and raised beds encouraging them to think about becoming Vendors and utilizing the Whitley County Farmers Market as an outlet to market and sell the fresh produce being grown. 

Other partners (if applicable)

The Whitley County Horticulture Program provides assistance with the set-up and take-down of all Markets as well as being present at each market in each location- weekly. The Horticulture Program will continue to provide educational support by setting up a booth and promoting the many services of the Whitley County Extension Office. 

The Whitley County 4H Program will continue to work with the youth in Whitley County promoting healthy diets as well as providing fun, hands-on activities for the youth in attendance at the market. 

The Whitley County FCS Program will also be available at farmers market helping clientele and vendors make healthy food choices as well as providing tasting demonstrations and nutritional educational materials for folks to bring home. 

Hometown Bank of Corbin provided funding for the building of the brand new Market Pavilion in downtown Corbin. This will be huge asset to the Whitley County Farmers Market by providing a covered shelter and an excellent venue for the market to be held for years and years to come. 

Program impact or participant response.

The 2024 Whitley County Farmers Market Opening Day was scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Corbin and on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Williamsburg. BOTH Markets were very active and it was a HUGE SUCCESS to kick off the year. In Corbin, 19 Vendors set up booths under the brand new market pavilion while hundreds of community members came out to support the vendors and listen to the live music being provided by a local musician. In Williamsburg, 13 Vendors set up booths under the Market Pavilion while nearly 150 community members showed up looking to support. The growth in both of these markets was absolutely wonderful to see to start out this market season. We expect to see even more growth in the coming weeks as community members have began to promote these markets and their successes throughout the community.