Oconee Farmer’s Market launches its 22nd season at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at a new venue–on the lawn in front of the Pavilion at Wire Park in Watkinsville.
Vendors are expected to offer early vegetables, mushrooms, baked goods, artworks, soaps, jewelry, and other products.
Bill Long, performing Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Gospel, Americana, and original tunes, will provide the entertainment.
Organizers are expecting more than 20 vendors. The market will remain open until 1 p.m.
The new venue is the fourth since the market began behind Eagle Tavern on Main Street in the center of Watkinsville.
It moved next to the front of the Courthouse and two years ago to Harris Shoals Park.
Market Manager Logan Kiser said the new venue will extend the Market's “reach into the local community.”
Market History
The Market launched in 2004 to provide farmers from Oconee and surrounding counties with a venue to sell their products and to provide residents with a chance to purchase locally produced foods and related products.
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| Market Map Provided By Wire Park |
Market organizers Debbie Beese, Carl Berg, and Russ Page also saw the Market as part of an effort to preserve green space in the county.
In 2012 the Market moved to the front of the Courthouse, and two years ago to Harris Shoals Park in Watkinsville.
The Market is a nonprofit governed by a volunteer Board.
Carol Gurley of Loblolly Vintage Jewelry is chair.
New Venue
Kiser said in an email message on Friday that “ever since we heard about the Wire Park development, we thought it would be a great idea to move there for the extended reach into the local community.”
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| Beese And Page 2011 |
“It's an exciting new development with a lot of opportunities!” he added.
“Seeing how quickly the community has embraced Wire Park,” he said, “we think that that is the place to be this year and are excited to see how we can both benefit the area with fresh local farm goods and crafts.”
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| Behind Tavern 2010 |
Watkinsville Mayor Brian Brodrick, in a separate email on Friday, said “The Farmer's Market approached us about moving to Wire Park, and we were fine with that.”
“We also have some planned improvements in the park (hopefully starting in earnest next week) and recognize it may have created a ‘messy’ environment for them in the months ahead as we complete that work,” he continued.
“Ultimately we want a successful and thriving Farmer's Market in Watkinsville,” Brodrick said, “and if they feel like Wire Park is the right fit, then we will be supportive!”
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| Courthouse 2012 |
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