Dinner kicks off Copiah County Farmers Market
Many interested in potential vending opportunities at the Copiah County Farmers Market met with officials from the Mississippi Farmers Market last Tuesday at a dinner in Gallman.
The dinner coupled local farmers and growers with those with authority on such markets together for an orientation and question/answer session.
Will Scarborough, Market Manager for the Mississippi Farmers’ Market, spoke to the group of at least 40 about the basic dos and don’ts of operating a successful market.
Simply put, a growing number of consumers are seeking out naturally and locally produced food. The local farmers market is one way to meet these needs.
Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital, HACC, Gerri Ellis, and USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program sponsored the event. Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital provided the dinner that included a green salad, broccoli and rice casserole and sweet tea. Ellis Farms provided a refreshing blueberry dessert.
Dr. Rick Akin is credited with giving voice to the idea that others were thinking – the need for a local farmers market. Daphine Foster, Program Manager and Shelley Curtis, HACC President, gave life to the idea by applying for a grant. Other members of the steering committee Elizabeth McKinley (secretary), Rev. Victor Dixon, Gerri Ellis, Shirley Jones, Pamela Roberts, Rick Snyder and David Yowell (Farmers Market Manager) are part of the village that is determined to make this venture a success.
The market will open on Saturdays from June until October. The market hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be located at the pavilion in downtown Hazlehurst near the railroad tracks.
Vendor applications are available at hazlechamber.com. Vendors can pay a one-time $50 fee for the entire season or $5 for each Saturday.
Yowell may be contacted at 601-894-6699 or 769-232-2657. His email address is yowellwd@earthlink.net for more information.
