Collins' love for Farmers Market comes through and was honored

Scott Collins is a regular at the Pendleton County Farmers Market and his love for it came through when he wrote about their building a new home. He was awarded third place for the article.

Farmers Market is ready to build

    After years of a nomadic market, Pendleton County will now have a permanent home for its Farmers Market. Decades ago, the original site of the Farmers Market was at the Falmouth fairgrounds. Now the market will begin building a permanent facility this summer on the fairground’s property thru a long-term lease agreement with the PC Fair Board.
    Members of the PCFM began fund-raising efforts in 2014 by selling tickets to a yearly Farmers’ Feast for the purpose of a new pavilion. Along with the award of major grants from the USDA Rural Business Development Program and the Ky Agricultural Development Board, the vision of a pavilion was in sight. Additional contributions from Rumpke, Interact for Health, CAIP, PC Farm Bureau, and PC Fiscal Court added to project’s budget for the pavilioin.
    Now the Farmers Market members could move forward with their vision of a permanent market.
    The design of the new building began in late January with architectural firm Hub & Webber of Covington. After securing both state and local floodplain permits, any further progress was halted for the next three months due to Covid-19 outbreak.
    Once businesses reopened, the PCFM board members completed the design with the architect. On June 29, at the PC Planning and Zoning board meeting, the permit for the new pavilion was approved. A public bid process for the new building will be forthcoming in July.
    The new pavilion is a welcome addition to the fairground property. Its use will extend to fairground events, allow Farmers Market members to sell into the fall and early winter season, and perhaps be open on a weekday as well.
    With protection from wind, rain and sun, available restrooms, a concession area, running water and electricity, it will become a “go-to” site for vendors and customers alike. Along with development of the Miracle Point Playground, the South Fork River Trail, the nearby athletic parks, and now a Farmers Market Pavilion, this area is becoming a convenient attraction.
    The PC Farmers Market board and members plan to add benches, signage, kitchen equipment, and other conveniences for full use of the building.
    Any organization or indvidual that would like to donate, please watch for further announcements in Falmouth Outlook, on Farmers Market Facebook page or contact Lindie Huffman at lindie.huffman@uky.edu.