Depot Farmers Market Staff 2024
The Farmers Market at the Depot closed its 12th season on September 11, 2024
The Depot hosted our community farmers market again this year, providing a place for our local farmers, bakers, and artisans to offer their goods. This may be the last Farmers Market at the Depot, as the Town has received a grant to establish a dedicated site, to be operated by the Town of Rural Retreat.
Regular hours were 3 to 6 PM each Wednesday, through September 11, 2024.
Vendors could only offer locally made or produced goods--no resale items.
There was no fee for vendors. Tents, tables and chairs were available at no charge on first-come first-served basis.
The Market was managed by Michael Cole.
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NOTE: The Evelyn Lahman History Museum was open for visitors, and offers guided tours during Market hours. Our Delightful Docents lead visitors through the history of this historic landmark building and its place in our Community's history.
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History: The inaugural Farmer's Market at Rural Retreat Depot launched on Wednesday July 3, 2013 and closed in September, after a very successful first season under the leadership of Amy McBride, Chair, and Dr. Michael Spraker, President. The number of weekly vendors ranged from 10 to 20 and the customer count was usually around 200. Wayne and Brett Smelser of Creggar Farms were Farmers’ Market vendors. Smelser said “The food you buy at the farmers market is seasonal. It is fresh and delicious and reflects the flavors of our area. Most food found at the farmers market is minimally processed, and many of our farmers go to great lengths to grow the most nutritious produce possible by using sustainable techniques, picking produce right before the market, and growing heirloom varieties. Buying directly from farmers gives your local farmer a better return for their produce and gives them a fighting chance in today’s economy. Shopping at our farmers market is a wonderful opportunity to taste the diversity of our community, to eat healthy, and to support your local farmers.” You can help our Farmer's Market grow by contributing to the Depot today.
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