Dandridge Farmers Market

Farmers Market held first meeting of the year

Barbara Garrow speaking at Dandridge Farmer’s Market Meeting – Staff Photo by Robin Archer

The meeting was short and sweet but it also included a delightful dinner of pizza and cake and the tables were full of individuals who were excited about beginning this year’s farmer’s market. The meeting began with the discussion of a contact list of last year’s sponsors. A grant from Farm Credit Service will be slotted for advertisement. Due to the overwhelming success of the local Farmer’s Market, representatives will be a part of the Tennessee Steering committee for forming a state farmer’s market association, which will be held at the Tennessee Horticulture Exposition 24-26 in Nashville.

Farmers Market Boot Camp will be held in Knoxville and registration is necessary by the 26th, with the boot camp on March 04, 2013. The boot camp covers vital information such as the best ways to use signage and how to improve booth appeal.

Economic committee of 4-5 people from the Community Trust presented a proposal and asked the Town Council to pass a resolution authorizing a combined interest group of stakeholder such as the Town of Dandridge, TVA and the Community Trust to develop a concept plan for a pavilion, with water access, at the Dike. This proposed site would provide lake access on the Town side of the lake, while allowing the pavilion to become a permanent home to the Farmer’s Market.

Four volunteers will over look last year’s rules to see if they still apply or need to be altered, with the results being announced at the next meeting. There was mention of the Dandridge expo at the field of dreams activity center march 1-3. The Farmers Market will be giving out information.

There was discussion of the benefits of using smart phones to take payments through apps such as square up or pay pal, which would be a good customer asset. The projected opening date of the market is April 20.