Farmer’s Market enjoys success
Published 4:31 pm Thursday, December 15, 2016
The Charlotte County Farmer’s Market at Drakes Branch will hold its final market of the season on Saturday to close out a successful first year.
“We just want to thank the town of Drakes Branch and all the customers that supported the market this past year,” said Farmer’s Market Advisor Bob Jones.
He said the market was extremely successful because of the local support from customers. According to Jones, the market generated about 250-300 customers each market.
“It’s remarkable for a small county like Charlotte County,” he said. “I think most of the vendors far exceeded our expectations.”
In May, the Farmer’s Market kicked off at the Drakes Branch Pavilion with approximately 287 visitors. That day, one of the main vendors, Brick Goldman, said he was excited about the number of people who came out.
“We didn’t have any idea how many people were going to come, and to see the crowd of people come through, we were just amazed,” he said.
Throughout its first season, the Farmer’s Market offered a variety of vendors and products to enjoy. Some of these items included greens, produce, sweet potatoes, cabbage, watermelon and pumpkins.
In May, Jones said the idea behind the Farmer’s Market came from the idea of being a one-stop shop in town.
He said the Charlotte County Farmer’s Market at Drakes Branch anticipates being back again next year.
Changes for next year could include the possible expansion of days and more vendors. “We invite everyone to come and join us for our last market of the season,” said Jones.
The Farmer’s Market will be open for the season finale on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Drakes Branch Pavilion. Jones said this would be a good time for members of the community to pick up some unique last minute Christmas gifts and seasonable produce.
He said the market will feature fresh local cider, jewelry, Amish baked goods, jams, jellies, herbal and mason jar crafts, Christmas ornaments and stew by the quart, courtesy of the Randolph-Henry Scholarship Foundation. The stew master will be Bruce Brown.
For more information about the Charlotte County Farmer’s Market at Drakes Branch, please contact Bob Jones at (434) 542-5884.