Downtown Augusta’s farmer’s market is being moved to new management.
After eight years under the control of the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta, the Saturday Market on the River will run by one of its vendors, Brooke Buxton, who is affiliated with New Life Natural Foods.
“The market continues to be a great promotional tool for downtown Augusta” said DDA executive director Margaret Woodard. “In keeping with our mission statement of incubating new events, we have achieved our goals in privatizing the market and finding it a permanent home on the 8th Street Plaza. It is time for a new face.”
The market has been self-sufficient since 2007. At one time, it was funded by the Augusta Commission for $50,000 a year.
The market will start its season on April 17 and conclude on Oct. 30, running on every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A holiday market has been scheduled for Dec. 4.
Buxton has already lined up new sponsors for the market and revamped its Web site (www.theaugustamarket.com) allowing for patrons to buy merchandise online.
“She’ll work with us this year, giving her time to apply for a 501(c)3 and learn the ropes,” Woodard said. “It looks like it is going to be a good partnership.”
Buxton said she is also creating partnerships with other downtown activities and venues for greater exposure and outreach.
“Partnering with other organizations will create a new energy and provide patrons a fun-filled Saturday in downtown Augusta,” Buxton said.
This is great news for downtown. Let's keep it rolling.
This sounds great! I know I will try to incorporate the Farmer's Market into my Saturday schedule. Downtown is really coming along wonderfully.
I would assume that this will become another non-taxpaying, non-profit organization. Although I like fresh veggies and fruit, it is a little too deep in traffic lights for me. I have found the vendors at the barnyard Flea market to be excellent quality and price and they are located in an area with tons of free unlimited parking. But my daughter swears by new life for herbs. I don't mean to sound negative, but I just hate anything associated with the DDA and consider them out of control. I really want this hard working lady to succeed, and if she runs this like her other venture, she will.
The website is www.theaugustamarket.com. Some changes are lowered vendor fees, tent and table rentals and then some!
We also have a facebook and twitter page. You can get too all of this through the website.
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