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Chamber prepares for Bluffton Farmers' Market opening on May 2

As May 2 approaches final plans are being put into place for this year’s Bluffton Farmers’ Market, according to Greg Probst, manager.

This is the 11th year for the market and the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce will oversee the Saturday morning market for the first time in several seasons this year.

Here are some of the market details:
• First day is Saturday, May 2. The market will run each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Citizens National Bank parking lot.

• The market will run into October. The weather in October will determine the ending date.

• The definition of items shoppers will find in the Bluffton market attempts to following these lines: “If you can eat it, drink it or plant and grow it and it has a local connection.”

• Crafts vendors will not be permitted in the market. However, the chamber is working on a plan to provide space elsewhere for crafters on Saturdays this summer.

• Jim Boedicker, musician, will perform at the market on May 16, June 20, July 4, Aug. 15, Sept. 26, and, depending on the weather, Oct. 17.

• The chamber hopes to highlight several of its own members each week at the market and those plans are developing.

• Market vendors are required to show a certificate of insurance before being allowed to sell in the market.

Persons want information about being a vendor may contact Greg Probst at [email protected].

A vendor registration form and market rules and regulations are attachments to this story.

The market has a new Facebook page, and the chamber invites customers to “like” it for continual market updates. In addition, the market is open to non-profit groups in the community to hold special events as they have in past years.

“We are looking forward to a great season,” said Fred Steiner, chamber director. “We appreciate all the work in past years from Peter Previte who has served as a volunteer coordinator of the market. The credit for the growth of our market is due to his efforts.”

Steiner added that Previte plans to continue to have a vendor spot in his familiar front location on the post office side of the market.

“The chamber also appreciates the donation of Citizens National Bank’s parking lot for use at the market each year,” said Steiner.

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