Community Dream Becomes a Reality at Old Washington

The opening day for Old Washington Farmers’ Market first market season is Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 7:00 a.m. The market will be held on the lawn of Washington City Hall.

It is exciting for a community to have a common dream. It is even more exciting to watch that community work together to make that dream come true. That is exactly what is happening with the Old Washington Farmers’ Market!

The story of the Old Washington Farmers’ Market began back in January. A group of community members gathered to talk about ways to strengthen and enhance the community and the idea of a farmers’ market located in Old Washington would offer a new economic opportunity to local producers and provide a gathering place that fosters the connection between our food, our culture, our land and our environment. They began talking to other people in the community in an effort to gauge if there might be an interest. The general response was overwhelmingly and enthusiastically “yes”. Since that time, the idea of a farmers' market in Old Washington has become the talk of the community and surrounding areas.

The community members began working with Jean Jones, president of the Arkansas Farmers’ Market Association and manager of the Gateway Farmers’ Market (Texarkana); and Debra Bolding, market manager of the Howard County Farmers’ Market (Nashville). In addition, three community members attended the Arkansas Farmers’ Market Conference in Fayetteville where they learned the in’s and out of successful farmers’ markets. They were well on their way.

Washington Mayor Paul Henley along with community members Stephanie Buckley, Bob Erwin, LuGene Erwin and Keenan Williams make up the Old Washington Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee. Dr. Vic Ford, University of Arkansas Southwest Research & Extension Center; Gerald Alexander, Hempstead County Extension Agent; and Jones, president of the Arkansas Farmers Market Association have assisted in expertise and guidance to ensure success of market planning and implementation.

Over 20 vendors are signed up and there is room for more at this Arkansas-grown and produced market. Old Washington has a fun, educational venue with a unique history that will draw people from all parts of the Ark-La-Tex. Many wonderful events and workshops are being planned to create a true Farmers’ Market experience for the customers and vendors. The market is open on Saturday’s from 7 a.m. until Noon or sold out and Tuesday ' s from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Stop by on opening day, Saturday, June 13 and buy fresh, local produce and support our Arkansas Farmers. After all, it’s not just the opening day of the Old Washington Farmers’ Market, it is also a celebration of a community dream!

If you are interested in participating in this exciting opportunity or for more information on the market, email: oldwashingtonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Old Washington Farmers’ Market Planning Success

Over 30 farmer/producers and community members turned out for the first meeting of the Old Washington Farmers market on Thursday, March 5 at the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. Following a presentation of how the farmers’ market idea began and going over the first draft of market rules and regulations, 15 farmer/producers signed up to be vendors at the market. Their has been interest from many other farmers as well. It is an Arkansas-grown and produced market.

“We are very excited about how successful the market planning has been to date and look forward to providing a place for farmers to sell their produce in this wonderful location” said Board Member Stephanie Buckley. Surrounded by beautiful Historic Washington State Park, the market will be held behind Washington Town Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 3 until 6 and on Saturday’s from 7 a.m. until Noon from mid- May through October. Our mission is to provide local producers and their neighbors a gathering place that fosters the connection between our food, our culture, our land and our environment.

The Old Washington Farmers Market Board has worked closely with the Howard County Farmers Market (Nashville), the Gateway Farmers’ Market (Texarkana) and the Arkansas Farmers’ Market Association to ensure success of market planning and implementation. “We feel that working with other markets in the area will only help the farmers. With more places for them to sell their produce, they can produce more and make more money. Additionally, as consumers are becoming more concerned about where their food comes from, the farmers’ market is an opportunity to speak right with the person who grew the food that your family will consume.

In addition to farmer/producers, also in attendance at the planning meeting were Dr. Vic Ford, University of Arkansas Southwest Research & Extension Center; Gerald Alexander, Hempstead County Extension Agent; Jean Jones, president of the Arkansas Farmers Market Association; and Old Washington Farmers’ Market Board Members, Stephanie Buckley, Bob Erwin, LuGene Erwin, Paul Henley, and Keenan Williams.

Now Recruiting Vendors for 2009 Market

Old Washington Farmers’ Market
Farmer, Producer, Vendor Recruitment Meeting
Thursday, March 5, 2009
6:00 p.m. at
Washington Volunteer Fire Department

Old Washington Farmers' Market is gearing up for its first market season and is looking for vendors that can provide healthy, regionally-produced foods and crafts. This will be an Arkansas Grown, producer-only market.

Old Washington has a fun, educational venue with a unique history that will draw people from all parts of the Ark-La-Tex. Many wonderful events and workshops are being planned to create a true Farmers Market Experience for the customers and vendors.

For more information,
Email: oldwashingtonfarmersmarket@gmail.com for more information.