By Betty Gandee

With the future of the famers market up in the air, the BDA met with farmers, community members, and WV food and farm organizers to determine the outcome that so many depend on in the summer months.

From local farmers who sell their produce, to seniors that exchange vouchers for these goods, it is beneficial to the whole community.  The decision to continue under the BDA was decided and ideas were tossed around to look for a permanent set up.

The county courthouse has been the meeting place to set up and sell produce for the past several years. It was agreed to set up there beginning in June on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, while the search continued for a permanent location to be used for the farmers market.  This would allow any seller the opportunity to set up and sell at any time. Betsy Kieffer was elected as organizer of the market and they are hoping for a smooth, prosperous growing season.

Having a place to set up long-term could potently bring more vendors and variety to the market.  The more things available to purchase means more money spent and kept in Clay County. Organizers are hopeful that with the help provided from the WV Food and Farm Coalition and other groups that the market will grow into something that can be enjoyed for years to come.

The BDA stated that with the tourism, and Elk River Railroad possibly being turned into a national park from Charleston to Gilmer County, this could open up more opportunities in Clay.  With more people passing through town to utilize such things as the railroad, railcars, and the Elk River water trails, the more opportunities arise to sell goods and services to those people.  Small business and local people rely on foot traffic and passersby to sell their merchandise, so the farmers market organizers are hoping for an outstanding 2018 season.