Troy Farmers' Market to open April 7 ♥

Published in the Courier-Tribune on April 1, 2011

by Hugh Martin

TROY — Area officials are looking forward to the opening of a new farmers market in the downtown area of Troy. First envisioned as a way to attract people to the center of town by the Troy Main Street Committee, the market has come together quickly.

The new market will formally open at 3 p.m. on April 7 with local farmers and artists selling their products. Storytellers and musicians will perform, making the market a family event.

Last summer, smaller markets were opened at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Office and in the parking lot at Montgomery Community College.

At the Troy Board of Commissioner’s meeting on March 7, Faye Atkinson and Jean Abbott from the Main Street Promotions Committee said they supported efforts by MCC and the Extension Service to hold a single combined market at 417 North Main Street, in the parking lot across from the Chamber of Commerce.

Danélle McKnight, extension agent, and several area growers and meat producers were present to support the farmers market plan. McKnight said they were prepared to start on April 7 and hold the market on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.

The times could be expanded as the market grows, McKnight said, but the farmers have other jobs and commitments to other established markets.

Electrical outlets and water will be installed at the site. Troy Town Manager Greg Zephir said the cost for electricity and water would be minimal and would be offset by the benefits to the town.

“We are going to do all we can to make it happen,” Mayor Roy Maness said.

On March 29, McKnight reported that a group of local growers had met several times and organized as the Montgomery County Farmers Market Association (MCFMA).

“The Montgomery Farmers' Market Association is made up of key players throughout the county. Each member has their own uniqueness and that is what is going to make this association and market a success,” McKnight said.

The group has developed market rules and an application that must be completed before any vendor is allowed to participate in the market.

Information for potential vendors is available through the Cooperative Extension Office on West Main Street in Troy and at the market itself.

Applicants for the market must live in Montgomery or any bordering county and may only sell farm products that are grown by the vendors or their families. No reselling is allowed, and growers must be certified by McKnight.

Several vendors have already been approved:

• Hope Farms in Pekin calls itself a “small-timey farm with an old-timey heart.” Grower Sheila Menendez encourages people to eat fresh, local food. She raises free-range chickens and sells eggs. Menendez will also perform double-duty as manager of the market.

• Whipowill Hill Farm, located in the Abner community, raises chickens, pigs, goats, turkeys, pheasants and peacocks that are hormone and antibiotic free and are raised in an ethical and natural way.

• Fox Squirrel Farm, located on Samarcand Road near Eagle Springs, say they want to provide the freshest, high-quality foods to their neighbors and community. At market they will offer produce that they have grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

• Uwharrie Heirlooms, of Biscoe, will be at the market with old-fashioned heirloom transplants of vegetable, herb and flower plants. Heirloom produce, fresh-cut flowers and shiitake mushrooms will be added as the season progresses.

• STARgarden, which is a part of the STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise in Star, plans to participate. Anne Pärtna, who is in charge of the gardens there will have plants and produce to sell. She also runs a community supported agriculture program from the farm.

McKnight said that there has already been a lot of interest in the market, both from potential vendors and consumers.

“Troy Farmers Market has everything to succeed. We have the entire support of the county from the citizens, farmers and town officials,” she said. “There are some other vendors who have not yet returned their application to the MCFMA. Some are also waiting to gauge the success of the early vendors before they commit to the market.”

The MCFMA is also working on two other potential markets in the county.

The farmers are making plans to start a market in Star, beside the Town Hall at the future Heritage Center, and one in Mount Gilead, at a location that has yet to be determined.

The farmers have also been approached by the Town of Candor to hopefully work out a plan for the use of the existing farmers' market facility located near the interstate.

A Facebook page for the MCFMA is being developed and local towns and businesses are supporting the market with their attempt to get the word out to the community.

“I am personally thrilled to see the great unity in our community to build this farmers market,” McKnight said. “I cannot wait until I can purchase my local meats, eggs, plants, produce and homemade arts and crafts!”