By Staff
Planning meeting set for Feb. 26
By CLAUD HODGES
Senior Reporter
A meeting is scheduled for later this month to seek input into planning local markets for farmers and artisans in Washington.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Beaufort County Agricultural Extension Service offices on Airport Road in Washington.
DWOW sponsors the markets. In addition to Miller, Rod Gurganus, an agricultural extension agent, will attend the meeting. They will discuss future plans for the market and solicit suggestions on improving the markets.
In the past, farmers have sold fresh produce and fresh-cut flowers at the markets. Artisans have sold homemade jewelry, pottery, needlework and furniture.
At the planning meeting, Miller said, discussion items will include establishment of market hours on Saturdays. Last year, the hours were from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Miller said he would like to see downtown Washington merchants become more involved with the markets. He said most downtown merchants open around 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
The planning meeting discussions also will address when the markets should start — early in the growing season or later, when it’s closer to harvest times for produce, flowers and plants, he said.
Last year, the Farmer’s Market started the second Saturday in April. The artisans market, known as Saturday Market, began the third Saturday in April, he said. Last year, the Farmer’s Market was held every Saturday from April through October, and the Saturday Market was held every third Saturday of the month from April through October, he said.
On another matter, Miller said the idea of having juried markets is a possibility.
He said the meeting will include a discussion about where exhibitors and vendors would like to set up their booth or tents along the waterfront/downtown area.