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Fannin Co. Development Authority
Things get done when “everybody is pulling the rope the same way.” That’s how McCaysville Mayor Terry Arp sums up the success of the Twin Cities Farmers Market.
The market debuted Saturday, May 24, with five vendors braving a rainy Saturday morning to begin an every-other-week sale of local produce, canned foods and crafts. This past Saturday, August 16, the iconic steel bridge connecting McCaysville and Copperhill overflowed with 20 vendors selling those local treasures. The day also marked the first Saturday of the switch to an every week market.
The growth is positioned to continue. The market will shift to a Fall Market in mid-October and plans are being made to start a Christmas Market in November.
The success of the market, and in turn its vendors, generates from a like minded approach among everyone – the mayors of the twin cities, those helping organize, and the vendors themselves.
Arp says, “The thought process begins with our residents.”
Copperhill Mayor Greg Barker agrees, saying, “It’s not just for visitors, it’s for all people.”
Barker says the goal continues to be to “bring an energy” to the twin cities that will bring people to town. “People have said they want something to do, and that’s what we’re working toward.”
Jake Reuse, who spearheaded organizing the market, describes the market by saying it “harkens back to a real small town feel. Having local food has been the key.”
Arp sees the flexibility of the market as drawing vendors and customers. Barker explained, “If you’re creating something, you’re welcome to be in this market.”
Also, the two cities agreed to a one time, $25 permit fee for the entire season, payable to either city. Forty vendors have taken advantage.
But the success of the Twin Cities Farmers Market does not stop with the vendors who sell their wares on Saturdays.
“We’re not giving our other businesses competition,” Arp says. In fact, just the opposite has happened. Local businesses are telling me the market has created more “foot traffic,” Arp says.
As proof, the August 20 event was welcoming customers who began crowding the steel bridge soon after 9 a.m., a time when the streets of the twin cities would have normally been emptied as everyone either stayed home or got ready for the arrival of Saturday trains.
“We’re bringing energy, planting seeds, and letting it take off,” Barker said.
The vendors, who come from three states, have shown their support, and the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce has been a big help, Arp says.
All involved are confident the market will grow as long as “everybody keeps pulling the rope the same way.”
(Learn more about local businesses and industries at fannindevelopment.com and thenewsobserver.com).