Homegrown in the Bluegrass
Farmers markets thriving across the area Story by JOHN CLAYTON
Farmers market vendors Brenda King and Darrell Enos bring bushels of veggies each weekend.
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armers markets across Kentucky are in full swing with the arrival of May and the fresh produce that comes along with spring and summer. According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, more than 160 successful farmers markets operate in 110 counties across the commonwealth. More than 2,700 vendors participate in the markets, putting fresh produce and other goods in the hands of customers. Three of those markets are in Barren, Hart and Metcalfe counties. Each of those is part of the Kentucky Proud program, which markets, highlights and supports agritourism and local small businesses and farmers. While Kentucky Proud and other agencies and programs have been pivotal in the successes of local farmers markets, Ken Childers, chairman of the Metcalfe County Farmer’s Market board of directors, says it starts at home. “What’s done this is dedication by our vendors,” he says. “Our vendors have good, quality produce and a good variety of produce. It’s been an effort, really, by a lot of different people to pull this thing together.”
BOUNTY OF THE BARRENS On Saturday mornings from the end of April through October, the Glasgow Public Square teems with activity, thanks to the Bounty of the Barrens Farmers Market. “During our peak summer season, we’re averaging over 500 customers a day,” says Bounty of the Barrens Market Manager Josh Johnson. “All of our vendors set up around the courthouse on the square, and it’s a nice kind of community event. We have local musicians and a gazebo that’s sort of a stage for the music, and people can come in and listen to music for a couple of hours. It’s a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.” While the musicians are a popular attraction for marketgoers, the produce and other products local farmers sell are the real stars of the show in Glasgow on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. Sustainable Glasgow, a nonprofit organization made up of local farmers, artisans, craftsmen and producers, supports Bounty of the Barrens. The vendors come together to create one of the state’s largest and best farmers markets, according to several websites, such as OnlyinYourState.com. Shoppers can find everything from fresh meats to fresh-cut flowers and fresh fruit and vegetables. “In the spring, we have folks who actually bring plants for sale, so people can set them out in their gardens themselves,” Johnson says. This past year, Bounty of the Barrens also hosted a winter market that operated indoors every other Saturday at the Barren County Extension Office.
HART COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS The Hart County Farmers Market built on more than a decade of success when it opened a satellite market in Horse Cave to go with its established market in Munfordville.
12 | May/June 2020
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