George residents start farmer's market
George resident Deanna LaVoie posts a sign to promote the new George Community Farmer's Market.
GEORGE — A group of 15 women are responsible for bringing a farmer’s market to George.
Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, at George Community Park, the George Community Farmer’s Market opens to the public.
There are experts demonstrating self-defense techniques, free 10-minute massages, treats and around eight vendors selling items from jewelry to fresh produce.
The group, called the Georgettes, discussed the idea of a farmer’s market with George Community Hall members for approval a few months ago. After receiving a positive response, the ladies set to work raising money, hiring vendors and promoting the market.
“Our town has a high poverty rate and a lot of backyard farmers, so we thought this would be a great way for our community members to bring in their extra produce to sell,” said Deanna LaVoie, market manager. “The farmer’s market is also a great venue for families to come to and spend time together.”
The Georgettes are a community group intent on raising money for their town and supporting the community hall members. All money earned from vendors will go to support the community hall’s projects.
“We want to help make George a nice, clean place to live and this means hosting great events and raising money to make our town look the best it can,” LaVoie said. “We are blessed to live in a place that has an old-town atmosphere and wonderful families.”
LaVoie believes the new attraction can help increase George’s popularity.
“We want to get more tourism into our town,” LaVoie said. “I think the addition of a farmer’s market that features locally grown products may raise awareness of what our small town has to offer.”
The Georgettes are hoping to add more attractions and vending options.
“We are really hoping to get more people with creative and interesting products to sell,” LaVoie said. “We encourage any bands, poets and other performers of any kind to give us a call and set something up as well.”
It costs vendors with insurance $10 for a space each sale day; it is $5 extra for those without insurance. Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs and starter cash.
“We welcome vendors of any kind,” LaVoie said.
There is also a yard sale, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offered during most of the farmers markets. The Georgettes plan on advertising for the yard sale and market by placing signs on places throughout the town.
“We plan on having the farmers market most Saturdays from now through October,” LaVoie said. “The only reason we wouldn’t have it is if another group already rented out the park space.”
Goals for the farmers market in George include more vendors, more performers and available treats, such as cotton candy and snow cones, said LaVoie.
“We want to get to the point where there are items and performances offered for every personality,” LaVoie said.
To get an application, call Deanna LaVoie at 509-398-3989 or e-mail georgecomhall@yahoo.com.
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