As a result of the fact that the farmers' market in Sparta, KY was not going to reopen, the Gallatin County Extension Service and the Gallatin County Free Public Library started meeting during the fall of 2023 to discuss the potentiality of forming a new farmers' market in Warsaw, KY. Other organizations that got involved in the planning stages were the Gallatin County Health Department, Gallatin County Tourism, and the Gallatin County Family Resource Center.

It was decided that the name of the new market would be The Old Pioneer Farmers' Market. This name was chosen because the market location is right next to the Old Warsaw Cemetery (sometimes called the Pioneer Cemetery).

During the discussions, it was decided that the market would meet on Thursday afternoons from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, and would be located at the library's auxiliary parking lot located adjacent to US 42. Since US 42 is the "main drag" in Gallatin County, and the time slot for the market coincides with the afternoon commute, the thought was that the market would attract people coming home from work.

Of course, getting vendors for the new market was of paramount importance. So to advertise the new venture, advertisements were run in the Gallatin County News and on Extension, Library, and Family Resource Center social media pages. An Old Pioneer Farmers' Market Facebook page was also developed and launched. Early in the planning process, the organizers had hoped to attract eight or ten vendors the first year. Imagine their surprise when over 20 market applications were returned! In all, 28 vendors took part in the market. 

In terms of educational programs for the vendors, a meeting was held for them to explain the market guidelines, what items could and could not be offered for sale, and other mostly logistical details. Since several vendors were planning on selling prepared food items or eggs and meats, great detail went into explaining what health department requirements needed to be met in order to do so. Of course, Gallatin County Extension also provided technical and growing information to local fruit and vegetable growers taking part in the market.

The Old Pioneer Farmers' Market met 20 times between mid-May and mid-September. There was an average of 17 vendors 80 participants per market session. The public participants were comprised of literally every socioeconomic demographic group. Also, the vendors and market participants represented all geographic areas of Gallatin County. 

Overall, the inaugural year of the Old Pioneer Farmers' Market was deemed successful. Collectively, the produce vendors claimed over $15,000.00 and the prepared foods vendors claimed over $8,000.00 in sales. Those selling handmade craft items claimed over $5,000.00 in sales collectively. At least 90 percent of the vendors are onboard for next year's market season.