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Clemson Extension seeks county support for farmer’s market pavilion; no immediate funding requested
Summary
Clemson Extension described regional Freshwater Coast market work and asked the county to support plans to build a pavilion at a site adjacent to the Talmadge Wellness Complex; preliminary cost estimates range from $100,000 for a basic pavilion to roughly $180,000 including site work and parking.
Wieldy (Wilder) Ferrer of Clemson Extension updated McCormick County Council on a decade-long regional project to strengthen local farmers markets and asked the county to stay engaged as the group advances a proposal for a permanent pavilion in McCormick.
"We're the only farmer's market that does not have a pavilion," Ferrer said, describing a plan for an 80-by-40 pavilion on land adjacent to the Talmadge Wellness Complex that the senior center's board has agreed could be used. He said prior pavilions built in other towns cost between $50,000 and $70,000 through fundraising; a current quote for the McCormick site was about $100,000 for the pavilion structure alone and approximately $180,000 for site preparation and parking.
Ferrer said the city has committed support and that the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation (a local 501(c)(3) partner named in his remarks) and Clemson Extension are pursuing private and public funding. "I'm not asking for money at this moment," Ferrer told council, adding he would return with a detailed PowerPoint, cost estimates and fundraising plan.
Ferrer said the regional Freshwater Coast effort has produced roughly $5 million in investment and an estimated $50 million economic impact over 20 years, including opening three farmers markets in the region and generating increased vendor sales. He said the pavilion would strengthen McCormick's lead market role and attract vendors and visitors to the county.
Why it matters: A permanent pavilion could expand market days, offer more vendor capacity and support small, local agricultural businesses across the Freshwater Coast region.
What’s next: Ferrer said he will return with a formal presentation and cost breakdown; he asked the county to remain a partner as fundraising and design work continues.
