Clay County parks seek commission support for Smithville Lake farmers market pilot

Clay County parks staff asked the commission on Thursday for support to launch a pilot farmers market at Smithville Lake, proposing events on the second and fourth Fridays from June through September plus special dates, and a vendor-fee schedule to cover staffing and site costs.

John Davis, parks director, told commissioners staff propose the market at the Kelsey Short Youth Camp parking lot at Smithville Lake and recommended operating on the second and fourth Fridays each month from June through September, plus special events on July 3, Aug. 29 and an October 2 fall-harvest bonus day. He said the market aims to offer "more healthy eating opportunities at the lake" for visitors and campers.

Davis presented a fee structure for vendor participation: $20 per week, $40 per month, or $160 for the entire season, and said vendors would be vetted by the Clay County Health Department. "Once that's submitted to us, then they're vetted through the Clay County health department who has their standards, and then we set up the approval and get them get going," Davis said.

Commissioners asked about expected vendor counts and promotion. Davis said staff had consulted the city of Liberty's market experience (which grew to 65 vendors) and that they would use vendor lists from nearby markets and the health department to solicit participants. Commissioner Johnson asked whether the county would limit vendor numbers; staff said they had not set a cap and expect to start small.

Administrator said the item was presented for feedback and that staff would return to the commission with a formal agenda item for approval. Commissioners indicated informal consensus to proceed and asked staff to prepare the proposed fee schedule and application materials for an upcoming agenda.

No formal vote was taken; the proposal will be returned for formal action after staff completes application and fee details and presents them to the commission.