One of the goals of the Greenup County Extension Service is to promote local artisans and support them in their efforts to have a profitable small business. The Greenup Holiday Market and Greenup Spring Market are Extension-sponsored events in a planned series that identify local artisans and artists, create/promote/organize “shop local” events, offer vendor training, and connect small business to the local community. This collaboration between the Greenup County Extension Arts Program and the Greenup County Family Consumer Science Program has the additional motivation to grow the artisan component of the Greenup County Farmers Market. 

The series which was begun in 2014 and expanded in 2019 has seen a steady growth in both vendors and customers each year with plans to add a Greenup Summer Market event in 2020. A local candle-maker said, “I appreciate the opportunity to learn about how to set up my table for the best possible experience for my new customers.” A customer said, “When I saw that my favorite local farm was selling today, I came to buy more from them because I like to support people who share my community. I also bought some handmade jewelry, homemade bread, and goat milk soap. I can’t believe that I didn’t know about these business before today!”  

All vendors reported steady sales and connections with new customers. They all expressed a desire to continue working with Extension and helping to expand the series with additional events throughout the year.