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Fletcher staff outline plan for Tuesday farmers market with possible May start
Summary
Town staff recommended a weekly Tuesday market (3–6 p.m.), likely in the park's back parking lot, with a May start for a May–October season; staff will form rules, an application packet and consider transitioning operations to a nonprofit advisory group.
Fletcher — Town staff told council members they are moving ahead with plans for a weekly farmers market, identifying the back parking lot at the municipal park as the leading location and Tuesday afternoons as the preferred time.
The town manager said a listening session with roughly 30 attendees and vendor feedback favored a Tuesday market from about 3 to 6 p.m. “The top rated day… Tuesday appeared to be the best day in the 3 to 6 p.m. range,” the manager said. Staff noted visibility favors Town Hall but operating around municipal hours makes the park lot more feasible, particularly during spring sports season.
Staff proposed a May launch for a market that would run through October, a nominal seasonal vendor fee comparable to other local markets, and the formation of guidelines and an application packet. The manager said the town hopes to seed the market and eventually transition operations to a nonprofit or advisory committee staffed by community volunteers.
Council discussed logistics including parking, restroom access and the need for portable restrooms if required; Parks and Recreation director Josh Queen was cited as supporting use of the back lot. The manager said staff will continue evaluating locations and bring a recommendation back to the council.
Next steps: finalize location and operating rules, prepare an application packet and identify potential volunteer members for an advisory committee or a nonprofit operator.
