Eagle Scout Beckett Mesko. Photo credit: Elizabeth Shaw Beggins.
The St. Michaels Farmers Market’s 2nd annual “Buy a Big Veggie” campaign is underway to help fund and launch another fabulous season of providing fresh, farmer-grown fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, flowers or locally-produced items to the people of Bay Hundred and beyond.
With the opening of the Farmer’s Market just a month away on April 14, the new Market Board invites people to celebrate the coming of the 2018 farm season by contributing to and personalizing their own “Big Veggie” sign for posting in St. Michaels during April. The campaign goal is to raise $7500 by ‘selling’ 100 of the signs, made by Beckett Mesko for his Eagle Scout project in 2017.
“We love seeing the four-foot veggies posted along Talbot Street. After the grey winter, the colorful four-foot radishes, peapods, corn ears and carrots are so fun,” says Board Secretary Rosemary Fasolo. “And I love the supportive, positive messages that people write on them, too. They’re so happy and just remind all of us that warm weather and local produce are coming!”
The St. Michaels Farmers Market’s success over the years is largely due to its ‘producer-only’ focus (meaning everything sold at the market is grown or produced by the person selling it), high-quality products, volunteer commitment, and its history as a place for people to come together. Financial support is also critical—especially now since the Market’s former parent organization is no longer involved.
“All really good farmers’ markets require people, financial resources and effort to look effortless and run smoothly. Community support is especially important for us this season since we are, in essence, starting from ground zero this year as our own entity, with new volunteer leadership and without the support of our former parent organization,” says Board Treasurer Bob Benson. “If we can reach our $10000 goal in sign sales and other donations, we’ll be able to purchase some sorely needed new set up items and also cover behind-the-scenes costs that keep everything working.”
To support the Market and get your “Big Veggie” sign, email [email protected].
St. Michaels Farmers Market is a producer-only market and community gathering place for residents and visitors, that also provides economic opportunities for farmers and food producers, offers local food education and gives everyone access to healthy, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and other products.
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