Downtown Augusta's farmers market will soon be under new management.
After eight years under the control of the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta, the Saturday Market on the River will be 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 Eighth 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 April 17 and conclude on Oct. 30, running 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.augustasaturdaymarket.com -- allowing 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.
You can thank Janie Peel and then Commissioner Tommy Boyles. Tommy was the one who worked with Andy Cheek and other Commissioners to get the 'enterprise fund' from the commission to seed this idea. By the way, the original idea for this started with Bryan Halterman when he was a part of MainStreet.
The idea behind things like this is that they support themselves after a few years. Here is a success story for downtown.
Glad to see something work like it should in Augusta for a change.
Brad
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