UPDATE April 19, 2019:
After public outcry over the closure of the Lake City Farmers Market, Stan McKenzie reached out to us saying that the Lake City Farmers Market has decided to open for this season.
Original Story:
The Lake City Farmers Market decided not to re-open this season.
The event was held at the Bean Market for many years and vendors who have participated since day one, said they were shocked to hear the news.
“I had heard through the grapevine that it might not be going on this year, so I was kinda prepared. All good things come to an end sometimes and this is one of them. You just have to learn to deal with it, so that’s what we’re doing,” said farmer, Stan Mckenzie.
Vendors received a letter that reads in part: After much discussion and thought, the CMS board has decided to take a year off from hosting the farmers market. This decision was made in part due to the non-support of the Lake City community.
“We did not have a lot of participation this year and we felt like it would be better for the farmers to take a break,” said executive director, Anne Marcengill.
One vendor spoke to News13 and said he’s had a stand at the market for many years, and this is the first time they have ever closed down.
“There was a little sadness involved there. I’m going to miss it, especially because it was a weekly thing. Every week my grandchildren will help me at the market, and they looked forward to it. We have to adjust to change,” said Mckenzie.
There’s still options for customers who are looking to buy fresh produce.
“We were going to find a spot for the farmers so they could sell their produce. Some of them have a place at their farm, some don’t,” said Marcengilll.
Marcengill added that board members are working on new ideas and this will not be the end for the market.
