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New Farmers Market Debuts on Main Street in Summer 2011
Ames, IA – The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Cultural District (MSCD) are pleased to announce a new Farmers Market is beginning on Saturday, June 25, 2011. The weekly farmers market will have a 3-month season during its inaugural year to capture the peak selling months for growers.
Led by an advisory board and staff of the Main Street Cultural District and the Ames Chamber of Commerce, the Ames Main Street Farmers Market will be a bigger, more cohesive and dynamic showcase for consumers to buy directly from Iowa vendors/producers offering seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, arts, crafts, fresh flowers, plants and much more. In addition to the variety of vendors, the market will also provide live local entertainment and children’s activities each week. There is also an opportunity to include educational programming throughout the market area.
The budget for the Main Street Market has already been significantly bolstered by commitments from the community. Organizers were pleased at the end of 2010 to be awarded a $10,000 Ames Community Grant facilitated by the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau. Additionally, major sponsors who have stepped up to extend their support include Iowa State University, U.S. Bank, Wheatsfield Cooperative and Innova Ideas and Services. Media sponsors have also been secured for the weekly event.
Without a doubt, the most significant portion of the market’s budget has been designated for promotions. Organizers and supporters agree the market will succeed with excellent marketing behind it in order to alert Story County and surrounding area residents to the weekly event which will be a brand new, dynamic mix of practicality and entertainment as well as a tradition in the making.
MSCD Executive Director Angela Moore is very excited about the tremendous potential the market has for this summer and for years to come. “These efforts are really in response to years of requests from Ames-area residents who know Ames is the kind of town that should have a diverse, abundant and really fun farmers market. A lot of work will be involved, but we are confident that the market will be well received,” says Moore.
While the primary economic impact will be most felt by market vendors and MSCD businesses, other Ames sectors will benefit when visitors are drawn to Main Street each week. Currently, more than 50% of the regular attendees for the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market come from Story County.
After the first year, plans include extending the market for a full 6-month season in 2012, beginning in May. Growers/vendors and other interested parties can request more information by getting on a mailing list available at amesmainstreetfarmersmarket.com.
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