New Farmers Market Leader Steps Forward: Volunteers Needed
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The leadership position of the Knox County Farmers Market has officially been passed from this reporter, Echo Menges, to Jill Talbot. The transition took place on Friday morning, March 17, 2023, with the ceremonial handing over of the farmers market envelope, which was passed from Casey James to Menges in 2018.
Prior to James’ oversight of the farmers market, Cheryl Hayes held the envelope for so many years no one can remember the exact year she started it.
Talbot brings several new ideas to the market with plans to push it forward by obtaining a not-for-profit status, using that 501(c)3 status as a basis for applying for a myriad of grant opportunities available at the local, state and federal levels, surveying the vendors and community to better understand the needs of both, and opening the market up to a wider array of participants – while being sensitive to the needs of the longtime market supporters.
Talbot is asking anyone interested in volunteering to help with the farmers market reorganization efforts to contact her by mail, email, or by calling her at the Knox County Extension Office. She will also make coming surveys available to all, rather than offering online only questionnaires.
Once the surveys become available, the community will have the ability to participate online, by mail, and by obtaining a survey form and turning it in locally.
As an experienced vendor, Talbot wants to look at the best days and times to host the market to better support the vendors and their customers, look at the possibilities of adding special events, and take in the ideas and desires of the community.
She is starting from scratch with a balance of only 36 cents to kickoff her tenure as the market leader.
For the last several years, the market has been held on Fridays during daylight hours. Talbot will use the information she collects in the surveys to reassess whether this is the best day and time, and she will look at the $3 suggested donation from vendors and whether it is the right approach to encourage growth and a thriving market.
Annually, the Knox County Farmers Market season begins in May and ends in October.
Talbot is taking on a huge task to be a benefit to the community, and she could use the help of anyone interested. As soon as she is ready to release the surveys, The Edina Sentinel will help get the word out – in print and online.
The farmers market Facebook page and website will also offer information about how the community can support the market, and Talbot’s efforts to grow it.
Contact Information for Jill Talbot and the Knox County Farmers Market
Phone: (660)397-2179
Mail: 107 N. 4th St., Edina, MO 63537
Email: jeisenbath@missouri.edu
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ KnoxCountyMOFarmersMarket
Website: knoxcountyfarmersmarket.wordpress.com
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