A public hearing to gauge interest in creating a farmers’ market in Clarendon will be held next Thursday, August 2, at City Hall.
Clarendon Economic Development & Tourism Director Chandra Eggemeyer says federal funds are available from the USDA that could pay a portion of the cost to set up a covered pavilion on city property where a proposed market could be set up.
Eggemeyer is making application for those funds through the city, but several hurdles still have to be cleared before the market could become a reality.
“Right now we just need to get feedback from the public and determine if there is local support for such a project,” Eggemeyer said.
Five local producers have already shown interest in the idea of a local farmers’ market at the city-owned property at Fourth and Kearney, east of the Post Office.
“We’re going ahead and initiating the application process because you never know if this money will be available in the next fiscal year,” Eggemeyer said. “However, Clarendon’s current lack of a quorum on its city council may be an issue going forward.”
USDA officials have indicated that the application can be made without action by the city council, but the entire project could be derailed if any formal city action is needed before November to accept the grant funds or give final approval to the proposed market’s location.
I am a new comer to Clarendon…….I came here in 2009 from California to settle on our small ranch with my bride. I have a huge fondness for farmers markets. In my past life I had access to a number of farmer’s markets. Not only were the produce and wares special…..it also provided an opportunity for community gathering.
Clarendon would, I think, benefit greatly from a farmers market where “fresh” products could be bought and community would have another place to gather. The gathering of community is what helps make this country what it needs to be. A country of diversity, but also a country that believes in acceptance.