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Lifestyles |
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Carrboro Farmer's Market |
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 Created in 1977, the Carrboro farmer's market was one of the earliest markets to link farmers directly with the customer. The Carrboro market is a continuation of several informal markets in Chapel Hill before 1979. It was first initiated as a project by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, seeking to provide an outlet for farmers to sell their produce directly to the community. At the same time, the town of Carrboro lobbied the General Assembly of North Carolina for funding to build a shelter for a Carrboro market. The original location of the market was on Robinson Street next to Carr Mill Mall. With help from the School of Public Health, the market built a formal organization structure with a board of directors, elected by the vendors, that controls the direction and ensures that the market stays true to its mission. Over time the market expanded tremendously and when the lease on the land expired in 1989, the town again petitioned for an agricultural grant to develop a new market on Carrboro's Town Commons. The market moved into its current location in 1996. This is a true farmer's market. Everything that is sold must be grown or produced within a fifty-mile radius of Carrboro. Twice weekly, on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, Spring through Fall, the market serves as a community event, with demonstrations from renowned local chefs on how to cook using the seasonal produce and how to can vegetables, or from experts on how to make crafts. The market helps preserve the best of folk knowledge and linking city to country in a tangible way that benefits both. The Carrboro farmer's market demonstrates the benefits of community involvement, town planning and state-level support in pursuit of urban livability. For more information, visit: www.carrborofarmersmarket.com. |
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All Text and Photos © 2004.