Council explores starting a Fletcher farmers market; manager to survey vendors and locations

The Fletcher Town Council discussed establishing a regular farmers market after the town manager reported research and conversations with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The town manager told council he had spoken with extension agent Karen Blato and market managers from nearby communities to learn best practices for vendor selection, manager roles and logistics. He said candidates for location include the south parking lot at Town Hall, the area between the Green Building and Public Works, Biltmore Community Park and — with school approval — space near Fletcher Elementary. "Friday night might be the best day," the manager said quoting the extension agent, though he and several council members said Saturday remains an option if vendor demand supports it.

Why it matters: Council members noted a farmers market could create a regular gathering place, support local producers, and help downtown redevelopment efforts. The manager emphasized the need to confirm vendor interest, restroom access and a market manager; he suggested starting small and targeting a spring launch if the plan develops over winter.

Council raised operational concerns — vendor rotation, space limits at schools, restroom access and whether the town should provide start-up funding or only in-kind support. The manager proposed attending a regional market managers’ meeting and meeting with local producers and stakeholder groups, then reporting back with recommendations and a potential vendor application and selection criteria.

Next steps: staff will continue outreach to market managers and vendors, attend the scheduled regional meeting, and return to council with findings and possible pilot options.