By David Esteppe
An indoor farmers market opened on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the State Fairgrounds. The market is housed in the 4,000 square foot, heated Douglass Annex building, and will operate from December through March on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
State Fair CEO Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe says, “In early June, I received an inquiry from two local producers and the seed was planted. We structured a partnership with representatives of the Lewisburg Farmers market to offer farmers market producers the opportunity to expand their business to include all four seasons of uninterrupted access to local produce and local value added products.”
The market is open to any small independent producer in the southeast region of West Virginia. Vendors who expect to sell at all or most of the Saturday market may request a dedicated space for the duration of this market season.
Vendors may sell any produce or value-added products that are grown or made on land under their control. Vendors will display a brief description of their growing practices; and all products offered for sale, including the value-added products, must meet the requirements of the Greenbrier County Health Department.
A variety of special events, including culinary demonstrations, food preservation workshops, cake-decorating and holiday themed activities are planned throughout the market season.
For an application and market details, please phone 304-445-7068. One may also download an application at www.statefairofwv.com or www.lewisburgfarmersmarket.com.