Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Market manager outlines April 12 opening, vendor rules and grant site visit
Summary
Scottsville’s market manager told council the Farmers Market opens April 12, 21 vendors have been accepted, a $20 vendor registration fee will be required, and a site visit for a 2025 Bama Works grant is expected in the next 30 days.
The town’s market manager delivered an operational update on the Farmers Market and other upcoming events, and requested support for promotion and logistics.
Why it matters: The market is a seasonal economic and community event; the manager described steps to professionalize vendor intake and expand programming that could increase attendance and vendor earnings.
The manager said opening day is scheduled for April 12, with 21 vendors accepted so far and additional applicants under review. She has updated the vendor application, contract, rules and fee schedule and said accepted vendors will receive a contract and a fee schedule. The manager said she had applied for a 2025 Bama Works grant to improve the pavilion and add beautification; a representative from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation will conduct a site visit within 30 days to review the proposal.
On operations, the manager said she had hired a band for opening day, planned a children’s activity booth and proposed making live music a monthly feature. She defended a new $20 registration fee as a simple confirmation of vendor commitment: “The registration fee is... only $20, and it's just a confirmation that you are committed to being a vendor this year,” she said. Councilors asked about season length (the manager proposed running through early November), slot retention for long‑standing vendors, and whether additional market days during the week might be piloted in the future.
Events staff also briefed council on a new monthly event series (“Fridays on the Canal”) with a likely first date around May 23 and exploratory planning for a wine festival in October; staff said sponsors and security plans are underway.
What’s next: Staff will continue vendor outreach, finalize Bama Works grant site‑visit logistics, and bring signage and electrical quotes for market infrastructure to the council for approval.
