On Thursday, July 3rd, the Advisory Board for the Farmers Market met. They discussed the new signage that will be placed out on Beckford Drive. As soon as all the permits are obtained, it will be permanently placed to direct the public to the entrance of the market.
During the Grand Opening on June 28th traffic was an issue. Though no accidents were reported, cars and trucks lined the roadways all along Southpark Drive where the market is located. A lengthy discussion on how to better handle the traffic problems led to the board members decision that they will contact both city and county officials for possible available resolutions.
It was also noted that the average foot traffic on Wednesdays was around 200 people, the grand opening saw over 550 attendees. The month of June was determined as a good start and the members look forward to more vendors as the berry and peach seasons approach.
Discussions also included what kinds of vegetables or fruits met the guidelines originally set up for the market. Some concerns were raised about the possibility of “outside” produce coming in. Guidelines state that the produce must be from the 5 county surrounding areas unless there are no producers of the vegetable or fruit currently in the 5 county areas. For instance, a vendor can bring peaches from Raleigh if no other vendor in the 5 county areas has any peaches currently ready for the market. But, a farmer cannot bring to the market any vegetables that he knows were provided outside the 5 county areas when current vendors are selling the same vegetables from their own farms. Sweet corn was used as an example of this when the problem was discussed. The vendors represented on the advisory board will work with the manager of the market to try and police this issue with “peer influence”.
Also on the agenda for discussion were a few items of “housekeeping”. Vendors are to be reminded that it is their responsibility to clean their assigned stalls prior to leaving for the day and no alterations to the building will be allowed. It was determined that signage by the vendor was allowed as long as it is tied with strings to the overhead doors and not mounted in any way with permanent attachments. No Smoking/No Pets signage will be added to the market building and surrounding area as soon as the precise verbiage is determined by the board.
Dessert followed the closing of the meeting.
The next meeting will be advertised so that the public can be invited to attend. This writer was pleased to be able to watch the board proceed through many discussions and look forward to future meetings ahead.
By Mari Miller