Farmer's market considers move to fairgrounds in 2016

Friday, August 21, 2015

By Michelle Workmam

Nevada Daily Mail

After having begun with just a handful of vendors participating, the farmer's market in Nevada has grown so much over recent years that they are now searching for a new location that could host the vendors as well as buyers.

The farmer's market committee met with the Vernon County Commission Wednesday afternoon to seek permission to use the fairgrounds for the 2016 season, constructing a pavilion to house the event in the more than an acre of land between the ball field and the highway.

"We're outgrowing where we're at right now," Kelly Ast said. "A good problem to have."

Ast said they have on average about 18 vendors each week, with peak weekends having closer to 25. Many of those vendors need an electrical outlet but few are available at their current location at Earp Park. Lack of parking has also been an issue while being right next to Austin could be a potential hazard for those attending with their children.

This summer, the farmer's market grew enough to expand from each Saturday morning to include Wednesday evenings as well, during the months from May to October when the farmer's market is available.

Committee president Corey Johnson said they have several individuals and groups interested in supporting the farmer's market and does not think they will have trouble raising the funding needed to build a structure at the fairgrounds.

"We're not worried about the money," Johnson said. "We just need a space. We just want a place to call our own."

The farmer's market committee's goal is to have an open-sided, approximately 60x40 foot pavilion with concrete floors, fans and numerous electrical outlets available. The total cost would likely be $75,000 or possibly more, but Johnson said he is sure that could be raised and the county could make money off it when other organizations rent it for other events.

The commissioners said they are in favor of the move but asked for time to talk with the fair board as well as their insurance agent while they requested a more detailed plan from the farmer's market committee. They will meet again in two weeks and visit the fairgrounds to take measurements and decide on allowing the move.

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That is a great problem to have, but i'm afraid a move to the fairgrounds might not be a wise choice. Not as visible and not as accessible. Wonder if there is any possibility of using the parking lot in front of Chinese Chef/Jessica Bland office. I'm not sure they are open on Saturdays, they might be open to the possibility? That would still be in the heart of town, visible from the main road, and provide more space. People could park in the lot behind the building. The fairgrounds just seems so far out i'm afraid it might kill some of the foot traffic that currently visits due to the centralized location.

-- Posted by underthepaw on Fri, Aug 21, 2015, at 8:52 AM
I also don't think that the fairgrounds is a good choice, it's too far out there and I don't think that locals would go out there so often. A more central location would be a better choice.

-- Posted by danadre0101 on Fri, Aug 21, 2015, at 10:05 AM
I find it strange that every time there is "change" people fret. It would be nice to have a permanent location...one that would accommodate more vendors, provide electricity and have ample parking. I would be willing to drive to the Fairgrounds for fresh items vs driving to WalMart or Woods which are on opposite ends of town. It's not "that far" to any of those places. I applaud the Fairgrounds for their willingness to help and for encouraging the Farmers Market. I remember what the Market had dwindled down to just a few years ago...People had their panties in a twist over new rules, new people and a new location. Look how those changes benefited our community. Let's utilize the resources we have...The Fairgrounds is vacant most of the year...let's bring it alive again from May to October! Progress is change and change is what helps a community keep fresh! Instead of discouraging new ideas...let's ENCOURAGE them. It's kind of like nobody wants to do anything...but let somebody take the time and energy to do sometime and EVERYBODY jumps on the band wagon of why it's wrong! Yippee for the idea and those involved in making it work!!! I'll be there next May-October!!!

-- Posted by terrimeyers on Fri, Aug 21, 2015, at 12:58 PM
I am not adverse to change, and in a lot of instances think change is good. Honestly, this worries me a little. It's a difficult situation. The location they are in now is probably the best they could ever, ever get as far as accessibility and exposure but the amenities there are lacking. There is no way to put a structure like they are needing in that location. Maybe the electric and the parking could, somehow, be remedied, but never the structure. Kelly has done a wonderful job getting the vendors and community involved and it would be my hope that those involved will follow if the fair grounds idea becomes reality. I know when I attend it is because I have come to town and drive by and say oh, the market, and I stop. That will not happen if it moves but maybe it will expose it to others who don't happen upon it in Earp Park. Good luck Kelly, Cory and others involved in this undertaking and thank you for you contribution to the community.

-- Posted by ccmom on Fri, Aug 21, 2015, at 2:27 PM
First off I'm not afraid of change and I'd like to remind some people that others may not have the luxury of having a vehicle to drive out there, I know a lot of people that prefer to walk or bike to places and seniors who don't drive.

-- Posted by danadre0101 on Sat, Aug 22, 2015, at 10:53 AM

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