After months of planing by Brooklet farmer and owner of Rustic Pedals Flower Farm Michele Wilson and others they officially launched the Farmers Market in Brooklet on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
They began with a ribbon cutting ribbon cutting at 1:30pm at the Randy Newman Pavilion located at 205 Railroad Street in Brooklet, GA, followed by the market opening at 2pm.
Even though they only had a few vendors at the first market the community enthusiasm was certainly evident.
"There was a lot going on this weekend that impacted vendors that have expressed interest in participating in our farmers market. Local farmers are a few weeks away from some of their crops being ready for market as well," said Michele Wilson. "The vendors that participated have been please with the local turnout. Everyone is excited about the market."
The market provides a great excuse for citizens to visit the quaint, small city in Bulloch County, GA and explore the variety of restaurants and shops in Brooklet. The downtown area and other areas of the city has seen a resurgence recently with many of the vacant storefronts now filled.
Wilson said they hope to grow to 27 vendors in the next few weeks.
The Brooklet Farmer's Market will take place on Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm, with the exception of a few dates when the location was already booked. She has several exciting ideas, including a "Christmas in July" themed market. Wilson hopes the afternoon timeframe will allow vendors to travel from other area farmer's markets, like the Statesboro Farmer's Market, if they want to participate in both.
Wilson has plans to pursue nonprofit status for the Farmer's Market in the future, and says she is focused on doing everything she can to make the Brooklet Farmer's Market a success.
Wilson said they hope to grow to 27 vendors in the next few weeks.
The market has been approved to accept EBT payments, and Wilson is welcoming vendors for the season:
Backyard Farmers! This is your time to shine! If you have a garden and have had a hankering to make some extra money, join us at the farmers market. There is no need for a business license as long as you are just selling your fresh grown goods! Pay a one time $20 yearly application fee and your $10 booth fee per market and you will be all set to provide the community with fresh produce!
Participants at the first Brooklet Farmers Market included Hazlenut Pastures, Rustic Petals Flower Farm, Cottage Geeks, Mini Homesteader, Bees Knees' Brooklet Honey, Bulloch County Fire Department, and more.
For updates, announcements, and details, join the Brooklet Farmer's Market facebook group, which is buzzing with vendor introductions and new members.
Vendors can apply by clicking here to access the vendor portal or by scanning the QR code below.
