By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Public feedback is now being collected about a proposal to start a community farmers market next year in downtown Yukon.
The market would be geared toward growers, producers and other vendors offering farm-based products.
“Our goal is to provide the community with the ability to purchase fresh, homegrown produce and products from local area farmers that both strengthens the local economy and enhances our quality of life,” Yukon Main Street Director Vicki Davis said.
“Establishing a local market downtown will create a dynamic synergy with Main Street businesses.”
A local farmers market has been a topic of discussion “off and on” throughout the years, Davis noted.
About a year ago, Main Street officials began looking into the logistics and requirements for starting a market in downtown Yukon while learning of current trends.
Typical seasonal farmers markets extend from spring to fall.
“So, we are well-positioned to be ready for the 2024 season,” Davis noted.
This timeline would allow participating growers to plan their plantings for a new sales outlet.
The Yukon 66 Main Street Association is now conducting a public interest survey to gauge interest.
This simple survey will help officials determine the level of support for starting a market in downtown Yukon.
More than 600 responses were received in the first week the online survey went live.
“Initial responses to the survey have shown tremendous support from the community for a start-up market,” Davis pointed out. “We are hoping to reach more of our local farmers, growers and producers of farm-related items for their feedback.”
TAKE THE SURVEY
Most survey respondents would love Yukon to host a community farmers market featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, plants, dairy, meats, and more.
Potential market customers and vendors are encouraged to complete the public interest survey this month.
Here is a link to the online survey:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/Yukon66MainStreetAssociation/FarmersMarketPublicInterestSurvey
Survey responses will provide valuable information, Davis pointed out.
This includes the type of products and market features the community would be most interested in, the day of the week and time that both customers and vendors would be most available to attend, and whether special programming (such as SNAP) might be beneficial.
Growers, producers and other farm-related vendors who show an interest in participating would help dictate the time and place for a community farmers market.
Yukon’s Main Street director plans to reach out to Canadian County Farm Bureau members and the Canadian County Extension Office for their input.
With the farmers market proposed next year, Yukon Main Street representatives plan to work with interested local producers who may need help obtaining appropriate licenses for products like eggs, dairy and live plants; or organic certification.
The Yukon Main Street office, 528 W Main, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, call (405) 350-5999 or visit yukon66mainstreet.com
