Author: Bonnie Sigmon
Planning Unit: Laurel County CES
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
Plan of Work: Strengthening Local Food Systems and Accessing Nutritious Foods
Outcome: Initial Outcome
~~The Laurel County Farmers Market is open three days a week from May till mid-October. The market facility is located in the heart of downtown London. The facility is an open shed design with attached restroom facilities, and a large stage on one end. The market sits on London City property and was built buy contributions from the county, city, and the Laurel Co. Agricultural Development fund. The market voted to host several unique events during regular market times, in an effort to increase the public’s knowledge of the farmers market and make the market more of a community event throughout the year. The Laurel Co Extension Service helped to organize and sponsored three of these events.The first of these was two painting at the market events, a twist on the popular wine and canvas painting trend. The events targeted 4-H youth so that the paintings could be entered in the Laurel County Agriculture Fair. The events were limited to 25 children and both sessions were full of eager young artists. The South East KY Antique Tractor Association made the farmers market their home during these events. The beautifully restored John Deere and International tractors were a favorite of both young and old. The summer fest was a community event with several crafters, a craft brewery, local winery, Laurel County Cattleman and a band joining us for the Saturday event. Summerfest participants were asked to make donations to the Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter. The event raised $300 to support the homeless shelter along with weekly donations that the farmers drop off at the end of every market day. The market members stated that the events more than doubled the amount of foot traffic at the market compared to other Saturdays. A few members said they regularly sold out during these events and would like to see events every Saturday.
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