Lisa Garrett and Fred Broughton with the SCDA

Over the summer the S.C. Dept of Agriculture ran a contest called Promotions that Sell. Farmers Market vendors who are members of the S.C. Certified Grown and S.C. Certified Product program could enter.

Each entry was judged on the appearance of their booth, how their products were displayed, and how the Certified SC logo was used.  Barn Yard Goodies won 3rd place for our region which is Region 3.  Chuck and Lisa Garrett are the owners of Barn Yard Goodies.

The popularity of farmers markets continues to rise as increasing numbers of consumers discover the joys and pleasures of shopping for unique products direct from the farm and buying familiar items in their freshest possible state.   Consumers develop lasting friendships with the farmers and vendors.  That is why we want to bring awareness to the contribution farmers make to daily life in our city, county, state, and country.

The City of Easley would like to encourage all citizens to eat local produce as a salute to our farmers market and to our farmers who work so hard to supply them with an abundance of fresh food and other products. Without farms we would have no food.  Know your farmer… know your food.

Get ready Easley! Easley Farmers Market is one of the contestants in the 2010 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest hosted each year by American Farmland Trust.

The Easley Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of City Hall and is open on Saturday mornings from 8-12.  The web address is www.easleyfarmersmarket.com.

Vote for Easley Farmers Market

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets” at www.farmland.org/vote.   The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities.  At the end of the contest on August 31st, one large, medium, small and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2010. The reward for the winning markets will be a promotional package including free printing and design services, a shipment of No Farms – No Food tote bags, and more to support their role bringing farmers, food and the community together!

Farmers markets are a vital link between local farms and their supporting communities, providing fresh and healthy food and an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. By partnering with farmers market managers, American Farmland Trust is encouraging consumers to consider the importance of farmland and to support local farmers. Market shoppers can cast their vote in support of their region’s farmers, community and market. To vote for Easley Farmers Market simply go to www.farmland.org/vote.

“Farmers markets are one of the best ways for consumers to support local farms and farmers,” says Julia Freedgood, Managing Director for AFT’s Growing Local Initiative. “A great way to find seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers markets also support public health and economic development opportunities in our communities.” The 2007 U.S. Agricultural Census reports a 49 percent growth in sales from farms directly to consumers since 2002 – representing $1.2 billion that stayed in local communities. But at the same time, over 800,000 acres of farmland are developed each year – most around cities where there is the greatest demand for local food. “We need to make the connection: there’s no local food without local farms and farmland,” says Freedgood.

American Farmland Trust is a national nonprofit organization working with farmers and ranchers to protect the land, produce a healthier environment, and build successful communities. As the nation’s leading advocate for farm and ranch land conservation, AFT has ensured that more than three million acres of land stay bountiful and productive.  AFT’s national office is located in Washington, D.C.  The phone number is 202-331-7300.

The cost is $15.00 and they can be purchased at City Hall or at the Easley Farmers Market.

Easley' New Standard

How the Flag was Designed…

In May of 2009 the City held a contest to develop a city flag. Over three dozen designs were submitted. While the choice was difficult the city selected Ellie Youngs design. The New Easley City Flag Designed by Ellie Youngs, 2009 Graduate of Easley High School.

The only requirement of the contest was that the City Seal be incorporated into
the flag design. Ellie stated that she “just messed around with a few designs and tried some things out, and this one seemed the best way to incorporate the seal into a flag while keeping it somewhat simple.” Mayor Bagwell stated that “this is the first flag for the city and Eliie will go down in Easley’s history.” Ellie stated she plans to attend Anderson University and major in art. The flag will fly in the new park on Pendleton Street.

Artist's Drawing of the new City of Easley Flag

Story printed in The 2009 Fall/Winter Edition of the Easley City News: http://cityofeasley.net/PDF/2009Newsletter02.pdf

Read about the dedication of the new City of Easley Park on Pendleton:
http://www.easleychamber.net/newsletter/2010/04/city-of-easley-park-on-pendleton/

Local Musicians are invited to perform at the  2010 Easley Farmer’s Market

The City of Easley invites local musicians to provide entertainment at the City’s 2010 Farmer’s Market.  While there would be no financial compensation, local artists can advertise their talents while entertaining shoppers at the Farmer’s Market.  It would be a great way to promote your band or singing group.

Interested parties need to contact: Lisa Garrett, Farmer’s Market Manager, by phone 864-855-7900 ext. 7200, or email to LGarrett@CityOfEasley.com