Centerton, Arkansas, to Welcome Farmers Market

Centerton, Arkansas -- According to Mayor Bobbie Griffith, a farmers market is coming to Centerton. Being part of a rural community, Centerton offers the perfect place to hold a farmers market. Local farmers will be able to sell their produce, baked goods and homemade items at the park next to Town Hall.

Right now, the closest farmers market to Centerton is the one in Bentonville's town square. It is not a very large market and many times it is not worth making the drive. Starting April 10, 2009, a farmers market will be held at Centerton's City Park. The park is located on Main Street (route 102B) next to Town Hall in Centerton. With a playground to entertain kids and ample parking this appears to be the perfect location for the market.

Centerton's farmers market will be a two day event every weekend starting in April and continuing through October. Every Friday and Saturday, residents can come out to the park to purchase local fresh from the farm fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and homemade wares. Parking is available in front of the park and Town Hall as well as in back of Town Hall. The park is in a safe location. Main Street is busy however; the side streets are sparsely traveled.

36 spaces will be available. Each space is 10 x 15. The cost per space is $10.00 for each Friday and Saturday. Baked goods must have prior approval from the Benton County Health Department before they can be sold. There are no electrical hookups available and generators are not permitted. All vendors must supply their own tables. Centerton City Hall is open from 8:00 am to 5:00pm. Interested vendors should stop by an fill out an application. No vehicles are allowed in the park. Items will have to be carried from the parking area to the vendor spaces.

The great thing about this particular location for a farmers market is that it will be located in an area where many local residents can walk to it. A walk to the local market to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables is not only healthy, it saves gas too.

Local farmers markets are a great way to support the community. The money spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at these markets goes directly back to the farmers and residents in Centerton. Additionally, purchasing produce at the local farmers market allows one to eat seasonally. Studies have shown that eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season locally is a great way to save money and eat healthier. It will be a great way to find local resources for pastured beef and chickens as well as a way to locate a local source for fresh eggs.

This will be a great way for local farmers to provide an additional commercial outlet for their products. Families with large vegetable gardens will have a way to sell their excess bounty and add much needed cash to the family budget. Overall a farmers market in Centerton will benefit the community as a whole.

Interested in selling items at the Centerton Farmers Market? Contact City Hall at 479-795-2750 prior to April 10.