Town Starting Farmer’s Market
Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 29, 2013
Mocksville Town Board members are excited about the prospect of a new farmer’s market downtown and hope to offer buyers something to shop for as early as this fall. At this month’s town meeting Leon Carter, community development coordinator for the town, gave an update to commissioners on the market project. Carter said that he had consulted with vendors at Peachtree in Advance, and had gotten information on certification and regulations for markets from the N.C. Department of Agriculture. “There’s rules and regulations we have to go by,” Carter said. “I don’t think the town wants a market that’s not certified.” As commissioners reviewed rough drafts of applications and proposed rules, Carter suggested that formation of a market board and appointment of a site manager would be beneficial. Though weekends are the prime choice for most markets, Carter suggested Wednesday may be a better option for Mocksville’s market, since most vendors have weekend obligations at other markets. Carter told commissioners since the market season was winding down there was little fresh products to bring to market and suggested the possibility of beginning with canned items. Commissioner Amy Vaughn Jones asked Carter if any area vendors were saying yes to participating in Mocksville’s market next year. “Yes,” Carter answered. “Especially if it’s on a Wednesday.” Commissioner Rob Taylor asked about starting a smaller farmers market this fall and asked if craft items were an option. Carter liked the fall market idea and suggested selling pumpkins or Christmas trees along with crafts …