MARCH 19, 2009 ISSUE
Ashe County Farmers’ Market 2009 Expo March 28
On Saturday, March 28, the Ashe County Farmers’ Market will hold its annual Expo at the Family Central community center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vendors wishing to sell at the market during the 2009 season are strongly encouraged to come to the Expo and register. The fee to join the market is $25 for the season and is due upon registration. Additionally, each time a vendor sets up to sell at the Saturday and Wednesday markets, an additional $5 space rental fee will be collected.
Arts and craft items that were approved in 2008 will still be eligible for sale at the market through the 2009 season. All new crafts and crafts that were approved before 2008 must be submitted for review by the market’s Arts and Craft Jury to determine eligibility. There will be four opportunities this year for vendors to have craft items approved: the first is at the expo; the second jury date is Saturday, April 25th, at the Farmers’ Market; the third is set for just before the Christmas in July Festival; and a last one before the November/December Holiday markets.
Vendors offering farm raised goods, nursery items and prepared foods are encouraged to sign up for the market at the expo, but may sign up at the market with the market manager at any time throughout the year.
The annual Ashe County Farmers’ Market Expo offers more than just vendor registration. During the event, new and returning vendors will have an opportunity to review the market’s policies with ACFM Board Vice President Hollis Wild. Patsy Stewart from the Ashe County Health Department will be there to talk to growers about the benefit of participating in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which offers coupons to WIC (Women, Infants & Children) eligible women to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. A representative from the Farm Bureau will be present to talk to vendors interested in obtaining information about product liability insurance. Not to be missed and new for 2009, Ron Joyner of Big Horse Creek Farm will present Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas. Joyner, a veteran of the market, will provide tips about successfully selling at the market.
The expo schedule is available, along with market policies and vendor guidelines, by clicking to www.ashefarmersmarket.com.
Opening day for the Ashe County Farmers’ Market is Saturday, April 11. Hours of operation are Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information call John Smyre, market manager, at 336-877-4141 or 910-309-1932.
Ashe County Farmers’ Market Expo Schedule
9:00 to 9:45 a.m.—Drop off craft items to be juried in the home economics room
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—Vendor registration and payment of fees
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.—Craft judging
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.—Ashe County Farmers’ Market rules & regulations session
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.—Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas presentation
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—Pick up crafts from the home economics room
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