STARKVILLE — Starkville Community Market will kick off its new season Saturday.
Open from 8-11 a.m. every Saturday at Fire Station Park, this year’s market has had 23 vendors apply, according to Paige Watson, Starkville Main Street director. She is also the market manager and works with a board of 14 people.
She noted that for 2018, the market had about five to 10 vendors apply. The market has been open since 2007.
“Because of the pandemic, we were able to stay open because we were an essential event. We did really well in 2020 and 2021,” Watson said. “We hope this year, it will be bigger and better than ever.”
During opening weekend, visitors can expect a musician performing. Repairs and improvements to the park are expected to be completed in time for the market’s reopening, Watson said. The pond is being replaced with a fountain and permanent hanging outdoor lights will be installed.
The market focuses on food — produce, cottage industry food (baked goods, canned goods, etc.), eggs and a limited selection of crafts.
The market accepts vendor applications throughout the year. Watson also encourages artists interested in performing to contact the market.
“We’d love to have a variety of performers at the market,” she said.
The market also hopes to have more programming and activities this year, Watson said, noting that the Oktibbeha Master Gardeners will sell plants in May.
Two interns will work at the market by greeting visitors, and providing content on the market’s social media platforms, which will expand to TikTok later this year, Watson said.
The market usually runs until the end of July and then takes a break. It reopens in September. Several people have asked for the market to be open for one continuous season, Watson said. The board will vote on the change in an upcoming meeting.
Watson said the market has mini grants and mileage stipends available for anyone who wants to sell produce. The funds are available because of the help of presenting sponsor Starkville Radiology and about 14-20 other sponsors.
“If you have a small garden or a large lot with extra produce you’d like to sell, we’d love to have you,” she said.
The mini grant is available for people who commit to coming to the market for three weekends. Watson says the market doesn’t charge produce vendors to come, and hopes the incentive will help the market expand its produce offerings.
To learn more about Starkville Community Market visit https://starkville.org/visit/events/starkville-community-market/ online or contact Watson via email at [email protected] or by phone at 662-323-3322.
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