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Farmers market manager reports busiest season yet; town explores expansion and outreach
Summary
Town staff reviewed the 2025 Wilkes County Farmers Market season — 27 Saturday markets, average 18–20 vendors per market, $4,300 in market bucks redeemed — and proposed adding a featured product category per month next year while boosting outreach to underserved groups.
Town staff presented a review of the 2025 Wilkes County Farmers Market season and credited manager Morgan Sullivan for expanded programming and outreach. The board heard that the season ran through October with 27 Saturday markets, 27 vendors who attended the entire season, and an average of 18–20 vendors per market.
Staff described special monthly events, holiday markets in November and December, and marketing efforts that included sponsors, social media contests, a loyalty punch card, and outreach via visitor centers. The town reported more than $4,300 in 'market bucks' redeemed this season — nearly double the prior season — and staff said they will add a featured product category to each month in the coming year to highlight local goods.
Commissioners praised promotional tactics — including a T‑shirt design contest — and suggested further collaboration with local service providers and housing authorities to improve accessibility for residents who may lack transportation. A downtown merchant thanked market organizers for producing notable foot traffic that benefited nearby businesses.
The board discussed continuing the advisory board model (town staff plus vendors and extension office representation) and asked staff to report back with additional ideas for expanding access and increasing participation.
