Pulaski County has had two farmers markets for 16 years yet neither has a pavilion or structure to protect them and their customers from the weather.   In February 2019, four farmers and the Pulaski County Horticulture Agent met with the new Somerset mayor, the community development specialist, and the County Judge Executive.  The city agreed to build the structure using grant monies available from the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP). 

     After meeting with GOAP representatives and the mayor and his team, the GOAP agreed that the project met their guidelines. The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent and the City community development specialist attended the GOAP Committee meeting and the project met with their approval.

     Construction was complete by June 1, 2020. The Pulaski Co Horticulture Agent serves on the Advisory Board. Over 30 vendors, the majority of whom are Pulaski Countians, have signed up to be part of the new market. Opening day was June 11, 2020.

     As part of the GOAP agreement, Extension is to have an educational kiosk at the facility. Although not yet implemented, having this exposure will greatly enhance Extension’s outreach.