City kicks off second season of Farmer’s Market

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press 

Copperas Cove’s Tourism Department is preparing for the first day of the weekly Copperas Cove Farmer’s Market, set for this Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Copperas Cove City Park, located at 1206 W. Ave. B.
Ashley Borchers, the city’s tourism and information coordinator, talked about the upcoming Farmer’s Market during last Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation town hall meeting. 
“So far we have vegetables and produce vendors. We just got a hydro, micro greens farm that will be there,” said Borchers, who is also the market coordinator. “(We have) smoked meats and sausage, Arts and crafts vendors, honey, cakes, breads, all kinds of things…soaps and lotions, wooden toys.”
Borchers added that the department is still taking vendor applications and will continue to do so throughout the season. 
She also talked about last year’s inaugural season of the market. 
“We had 25 market days, with 37 approved vendors the first year. The average number of vendors per market was 13, and the average number of guests per market was 245, with our highest attendance day being 483. So, I feel for our first year farmer’s market, that was pretty good.”
Borchers said they created a Facebook page in April, Copperas Cove Farmer’s Market, and that vendors can share when they’re going to be at the market, and her office will be able to highlight vendors as well, in the hopes they can reach more people and get more interactive. 
As far as last year’s numbers went for the first market season, Parks & Recreation Department director Joe Brown was pleased. 
“I’ve seen a few farmer’s markets, and I’m telling you, these are really, really good numbers for a first-year farm’s market,” Brown said. “To average 13 vendors per market, to see that many people in one year, 25 market days, that tells me something…it tells you the need to have a farmer’s market is alive in Copperas Cove. We’re excited about it.”
Categories of vendors include artisan and craft vendors, food vendors to include farmer and prepared foods, as well as specialty vendors and community booths. Specialty vendors are considered on a case-by-case basis and will be reviewed and approved by Borchers. There is one community booth spot available per week at the market. 
One requirement is that products sold at the Farmer’s Market must be grown or produced or created within the geographic boundaries of the state of Texas. Vendors are also responsible for bringing their own tables, chairs, signs, and canopies.  
The Copperas Cove Farmer’s Market will be held every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. through October 25. There will be no Farmer’s Market on May 17 during Rabbit Fest.
Vendor forms can be found at the department’s website located at www.copperascovetx.gov/parks/tourism/farmers_market.