“Hamilton’s Historic Farmer’s Market, the outdoor market, has been offered since 1875, and this year was our first year revamping the Winter Market,” said Megan Walker of the Hamilton’s Historic Farmer’s Market Winter Market and owner of Hamilton! Just Desserts, a vendor at the market.
The Hamilton Winter Market is now an expansion of Hamilton’s Historic Farmer’s Market. Sharon Urmanic, one of the market’s vendors, managed the winter market for many years, up until the 2018-19 season. That version of the market had operated in the city government building, every other Friday morning.
The move in dates and location has been accepted, Walker said.
“We almost doubled our attendance from November to December,” she said, “People really seem to enjoy it and appreciate the variety of products that are available.”
Walker said a collaboration of leaders led to the Market Bucks program, giving guests access to cash, and the addition of other programs like SNAP and Produce Perks, which will be offered starting in the spring at Hamilton’s Historic Farmer’s Market and made available at the Hamilton Winter Market in the future.
About 20 vendors participate in the Hamilton Winter Market. A few of the vendors include Brookside Farms (meat) and Half Pint Provisions (jams/preserves) to Treats of Love (dog and cat treats) and Made with Love, Amanda (upcycled/crafted gifts and decor).
Ramblin’ Roast (coffee shop/truck) will be in attendance in January and February, and Smokin Butts Barbeque (food truck) is scheduled to be on site in March and April.
Joan Stidham, owner of The Blank Space, and a regular shopper at Hamilton’s Historic Farmer’s Market said she not only wanted to be involved to support other local businesses, but she genuinely appreciates the variety the market offers.
“While you may think of a farmer’s market as produce, it’s all kinds of different items. Whether they are baked goods, or produce, or dog treats, or products from farms, or even craft ideas, it’s a really interesting, and eclectic mix of goods,” she said.
Stidham said she had met many of the local vendors by shopping at the market. Then, her excitement grew after she had a conversation with Walker about a partnership to keep the market going during the winter months.
“This is a great partnership, because small businesses are looking for ways to keep their products in front of the public, and I think we can socially distance and wear a mask and be safe in The Blank Space. And it gets new people into our space as well as supporting the small, local vendors that otherwise wouldn’t have a way to market their goods,” Stidham said.
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