Rebecca Adcock, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce and long-time Stuart Farmers’ Market promoter, along with Sarah Wray, Community Engagement, Partnership, and Program Manager at Virginia Tech’s Reynolds Homestead have been selected to present at the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Farmers’ Market Conference, slated for November 13-15.
The 3-day event is presented by Virginia State University and the Virginia Farmers’ Market Association, will be held in Richmond, Virginia, and will bring together farmers, market managers, agriculture policymakers, and community partners to share their passion for farms, food access, small business, healthy communities, and farmers’ markets. There will be targeted workshops, dynamic speakers, and fun-filled social networking.
This year’s theme focuses on providing attendees with real tools they can walk away with and immediately implement in their markets or businesses. In alignment with that theme, Rebecca and Sarah will present “Growing Community: Tips and tools for growing your community market with placemaking.” The Stuart Farmers’ Market is a multi-award-winning market that embodies community through weekly Friday partnerships, the creation of the Rise & Shine youth market, and the ever-popular holiday-themed Mistletoe Market. The market has been a great place for groups like Reynolds Homestead to hold outdoor classes, One Family Productions to host the First Friday Concert Series, and for local artists to display their work. By using the market as a community gathering spot, markets can build a sense of connection and cooperation between local businesses, vendors, and residents. This presentation will share successful strategies and give practical tips on how other markets can create a similar environment to boost community involvement and support local economies.
