Fresh Produce & More At The Scott County Farmer's Market
Written by Kathy Witt
If you think a trip to the local farmers market is just about picking up seasonal produce, think again.
At the Scott County Farmers Market, it’s about new community members learning about local resources like the library and fire department, enjoying tastes of local food truck fare, getting a first-hand look at what local artists are crafting, discovering community organizations and volunteer opportunities, meeting new friends, oh . . . and picking up seasonal produce, plus a whole lot of other farm-fresh goodies.
“We want the Scott County Farmers Market to be a fun Saturday morning destination,” said Kelly Stanley, owner of Gray Arbor Farm and spokesperson for the Farmers Market, a Kentucky Proud member. “All the vendors that attend the market have a real love for this community and want only to provide the best produce and crafts we can.”
Several new initiatives have been introduced for the 2022 season to help the market achieve its goal. These include:
- Introducing a community booth
- Spotlighting a vendor of the week
- Highlighting food trucks
- Creating a market loyalty card
- Designing a new, easy-to-navigate and informative website
The community booth was born out of the idea that Scott County is an amazing place with so much to offer as well as a community that is growing quickly. Every week throughout the summer, the market seems to draw new customers that have just recently moved to the area.
“We wanted to help shine a spotlight on the organizations that make this community so great,” said Kelly. “Our hope is that whether you are new to the community or you have lived here for a while, you will learn a little more about this wonderful town.”
The Farmers Market plans to host organizations like the Gathering Place, the Amen House and Elizabeth’s Village. Representatives from the organizations will be onsite to discuss how they serve the community and ways to become involved.
“We will also be hosting groups likes the library, the master gardeners and Georgetown Gentlemen Vintage baseball team,” said Kelly. “We want to showcase the broad range of organizations here. There is something for everyone.”
Having food trucks at the market was a no-brainer. They just make the whole shopping experience that much more fun.
“Who doesn't love to shop for local products while snacking on yummy food?” asked Kelly. “And it’s another fun way to support local entrepreneurs.”
The loyalty cards provide another fun way for the market and community to celebrate market shopping.
“When you come to the market, you can visit the vendor of the week to either get your loyalty card or have your current card stamped. Once you have four stamps your card will be entered into a drawing to receive some goodies from the market.”
The Market will also host two kids days, on July 2 and Aug. 6. The first date brings out the Scott County Fire Department and EMS and he Scott County Public Library Bookmobile.
“The first responders will show off all the bells and whistles (literally) that their vehicles have and will talk to kids about safety on the Fourth of July and all the heroic things that their jobs entail,” said Kelly.
The Department of Agriculture will join the Market for the second kids day, arriving with a trailer of animals to discuss animal care and for showing off.
To learn more about the Scott County Farmers Market, market vendors and participating food trucks, visit its new website at www.scottcountykyfarmersmarket.com. For updates about the booth of the week, special events, available produce and more, click into its Facebook page.
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.