This month I want to use our space here to remind everyone that the Market relies on the support of the public to carry out our mission of promoting the use of local foods. What follows is a re-run of a blog I wrote last year that explains how we go about raising funds. Please hang on to the end (or just skip to end if you like!) to see how you can help this year

 

But before I do that I want to announce that opening day of the 2014 edition of the Bridgeport Farmers Market will be Sunday, May 18. Mark your calendars!

 

On with our regularly scheduled re-run…

 

As I have mentioned in previous blogs the Bridgeport Farmers Market, unlike most farmers markets, does not charge any vendor fees. The original founders of the BFM felt that small farmers should be able to have an outlet where they could practice truly FREE enterprise. This policy also allows the Market to be picky about the vendors that are accepted. All of the Market’s vendors, farmers and artisans alike, go thru a vetting process that ensures their compliance with the Market’s rules.

 

So, how has the Market supported itself for the past five years? Well, pour yourself another cup of WV roasted coffee as I am about to tell you.

 

In the beginning the Market depended on support from both government and corporate entities. The Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau in particular was indispensable in the early days and they continue to provide support to this day. Other organizations that have stepped up to the plate over the years are Provence Market, PJ Kelly’s, Touchstone Data Systems, the Robert C. Byrd Institute, Deep Roots Productions, Waste Management, WDTV, and the Bridgeport Conference Center. While all of these funding sources have been more than generous the on-going expenses and long-term goals of the Market are not met by these wonderful folks alone.

 

Another way the Market raised funds early on was thru that time-honored West Virginia tradition, the elimination dinner. While they were successful the Market’s organizers always felt that there was a better way that not only would raise funds but showcase the Market and its vendors. Early in 2013 they hit on the perfect formula.

 

And that idea, a series of seasonal Community Dinners, has proven to be a runaway hit. As they have so many times before, the folks at the Bridgeport Conference Center have been gracious enough to provide space and culinary talent. And they have also welcomed BFM Chef-in-Residence Dale Hawkins into their kitchen to augment their own culinary team.

 

The end result has been an incredible array of menu items all prepared with products provided by the Market’s vendors. From delicious pulled pork made with pork from Gardner Farms to amazing braised greens from Fish Hawk Acres to corn bread made with Bloody Butcher corn meal from Hawthorne Valley Farm, each Community Dinner is a tribute to that season’s bounty.

 

Each Community Dinner also features a brief infotainment piece about the Market and/or one of its vendors. Needless to say, towards the end of the evening the dinner guests are also made aware of the fact that they can purchase all of the products they have just enjoyed at the next Sunday’s Market. Best of all, each dinner is priced at the bargain basement price of $20 a head. Folks under 12 are $12 and kids under 5 eat free. Brilliant!

 

All of the above leads me up to this: this season’s first Community Dinner will be held on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, at the Bridgeport Conference Center. Tickets can be purchased in person this Sunday at the Market Information Table or by calling 304-669-4340.

 

There will be three more Community Dinners to be held throughout the 2014 Market Season. While the big Summer Picnic has yet to be scheduled (stay tuned here for that date), the last two dinners will be held on September 22 and November 12.

 

Until next month, Stay Fresh!

 

The Bridgeport Farmers Market Association is the five member all volunteer board of directors that governs the Bridgeport Farmers Market. It is supported by a wonderful group of community volunteers who help in the setup and maintenance of the market. For more information on the Farmers Market or to see how you can help please e-mail us at bridgeportfarmersmarket@yahoo.comor, better yet, LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. You can also check out the Market’s own YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BridgeportFarmersMkt