Dandridge Farmer’s Market Preps for 2016 Season
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Farm fresh produce and goods will be back this spring, as the Dandridge Farmer’s Market is slated to return to the Historic Town Square in May. Following the dissolution of the Dandridge Community Trust, the Town of Dandridge took action to ensure that the popular market had a home this year, with the installation of a five person committee that included three vendor representatives-Pete Martin, Jim Holbert and Fred Tyler-and two representatives from the Town-Matt Rudder, Town Finance Director and Greg Gann, Public Works Supervisor.
A standing room only crowd of interested vendors met last week to receive information and bounce around ideas for this year’s market. Rudder, who officiated the meeting, handed out guidelines and rules for participants, stating that they were very similar to last season’s operating rules. As was the custom in previous seasons, the Farmer’s Market will have an on site manager that will handle the basics of the market, such as receipt of fees. Rudder will keep the finances in order and presented a operating budget that included sponsorship from Farm Bureau, Jefferson Farmer’s CO-OP, Farm Credit and the Jefferson County Post, as well as projected vendor fees and membership fees for a total on the revenue side of $2,685. He estimated expenses of the same, which included the rental of Porta John, electricity, sponsor board, market manager per diem and advertising. Rudder said that the largest item in the expense side of the budget is advertising and that the Town is committed to a strong advertising campaign. Any line item that is not exhausted will go toward further advertising.
This year’s market will be rain or shine event, only being canceled in extreme weather conditions, to ensure that produce that is picked for sale at the market will not go to waste. Vendor representatives on the committee thanked the Town of Dandridge for their interest in keeping the Farmer’s Market open and it was noted that it is a critical and important community event.
Those looking to purchase goods at the Farmer’s Market will find the market extending its hours of operation with a early morning start. New hours will be from 8 am-noon on Saturdays and will kick off on May 14, 2016. The market will close for the season on October 29, 2016, which leaves plenty of days in between the market’s open and close to purchase locally grown goods. Vendors expressed an interest in having a pre opening plant sale and it will take place the weekend before Mother’s Day, on May 7th.
The Dandridge Farmer’s Market offers a great opportunity for the community to purchase locally grown produce, as well as promote to the table fresh food. Crafters will be allowed on a by application basis, but the thrust of the Market will remain produce based. Spring is just around the corner and soon the tasty treat of local fruits, veggies and goods will be available for purchase at the 2016 Dandridge Farmer’s Market. Mark the calendar and be sure to save the date!
