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2009-07-03

2009-07-01

2009-06-30

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Farmer’s market headed back to Garnett’s square

By CLEON RICKEL, Herald Senior Writer

GARNETT — After several years’ absence, a farmers market will return to Garnett’s downtown square July 24.

From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning on July 24 and continuing every Thursday evening for 10 weeks, the new farmer’s market will be at the southeast corner of Garnett’s square at Fourth Avenue and Main Street next to the Prairie Spirit Trail.

The new market will likely begin with at least 10 vendors, Rosanna Bauman, one of the organizers, said.

“This is corn and tomato season,” Bauman said. She said she’s also expecting a few blueberries and the start of blackberries and peaches for the market.

Other likely items during the course of the market include eggs, poultry and meats, freshly homemade baked goods, canned items and some crafts, she said.

Organizers have heard from Garnett residents who say they’re excited that a farmers market is returning, she said.

Bauman said she hopes the market will spark other Thursday night events including sidewalk sales, community music and art events, and activities for children.

A farmers market had operated in Garnett on Saturday mornings a few years ago but folded.

“I’ve spent time talking to other farmers markets to find out why they succeed and fail,” Bauman said.

The new market will be on a different day and will be organized differently, she said.

The Thursday night time will allow people getting off work to stop at the market before going home, she said.

The market will also feature a “community table” in which gardeners can sell small amounts of their produce and pay a commission, she said.

“It’s for those home gardeners who have a little too much for themselves but not enough to buy a table,” she said.

The market group will also waive booth fees for community non-profit groups who want to have bake sales or other fund-raisers during market nights, she said.

“We want to make it useful to both the farmers and the consumers,” Bauman said.

Vendor information can be obtained by contacting Bauman at (785) 204-1568 and copies of the vendor form at the Garnett Chamber Office, Garnett City Hall or online at www.experiencegarnettks.com. The market is open to any area vendor and can be from outside Anderson County.

Farmers markets are capitalizing on consumers’ growing interest in locally-grown food, as will the Garnett market, Bauman said.

“Especially with the price of gas, why buy tomatoes from California when you can get them from the local area and they’ll taste and look better for about the same price?” she said.

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