Metcalfe County Farmers Market Expecting Another Record Year

By Richard Hines

Freelance Outdoor Writer/Photographer

 

If one thing is consistent about the Metcalfe County Farmers Market, it is about breaking records. With the market now in its sixth year, it has expanded from only a few vendors who were setting up in the parking lot next to the County Extension Office to this year, when 19 to 22 vendors are regularly set up each Friday morning under a recently constructed pavilion.

Since 2019, sales have been consistently increasing. According to Market Manager Vicki Harris, “sales in 2024 exceeded $86,000, and with several weeks remaining in the 2025 market season, our market is now projecting our market sales will exceed $100,000,” making the Metcalfe County Farmers Market one of the most successful community farmer markets in Kentucky.

Vendors have a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, and other items that include tomatoes, potatoes, melons, fresh lettuce, as well as home-grown meats, including pork, beef, and lamb. Several vendors have various sauces and locally produced maple syrup, flowers, crafts, honey, and baked goods such as bread, cakes, and cookies.

Harris said, “The market’s success is all due to the tremendous support and effort by many of the community leaders, businesses, and organizations that have boosted community participation.”

This past year, supporters of the market have included Edmonton State Bank, Metcalfe County Extension Office, City of Edmonton, Metcalfe County Judge/Executive Office, Edmonton – Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Agriculture Department, AgRenew, the Print Shop, and Hoss Radio, 99.1.

The market has always focused on helping residents, and with the assistance of the market’s partners, uses the donations to match outside funding to promote programs such as Senior Vouchers, Kentucky Double Dollars, WIC coupons, and ‘School Kid Vouchers,” which provide each Metcalfe County student with a $5 token to spend at the market. All these programs have helped the market achieve its continued success.

Vicki wants to remind everyone, “If you still have one of this year’s remaining vouchers, they must be used by October 31. This deadline cannot be extended.

The Metcalfe County Farmers Market, like all certified Kentucky Proud Markets across Kentucky, operates under a Board of Directors chosen from market participants who are from Metcalfe County and who have a background in agriculture. Like all markets across the state, Harris said, “We follow Kentucky Department of Agriculture guidelines and rules for farmers’ markets.”