On Saturday, May 4, 2024, the city of Brooklet will host its inaugural Brooklet Farmer's Market. The event will open with a ribbon cutting at 1:30pm at the Randy Newman Pavilion located at 205 Railroad Street in Brooklet, GA, followed by the market opening at 2pm.
Led by Michelle Wilson, this event reflects months of planning and coordination with Brooklet city council members and local residents. As a small farmer herself, Wilson sees the Brooklet Farmer's Market as an opportunity for the area's farmers and artisans to come together, showcasing their wares, benefiting the community by offering critical access to fresh foods and locally made goods.
Brooklet, in spite of being a farming community, is a "food desert," stated Wilson. It's only home to one grocery store and one small market. With all of the agriculture in the area, "there aren't actually many opportunities to buy fresh food," Wilson says. She hopes the new farmer's market will change that.
The Brooklet Farmer's Market will take place on Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm, with the exception of a few dates when the location was already booked. She has several exciting ideas, including a "Christmas in July" themed market. Wilson hopes the afternoon timeframe will allow vendors to travel from other area farmer's markets, like the Statesboro Farmer's Market, if they want to participate in both.
Wilson has plans to pursue nonprofit status for the Farmer's Market in the future, and says she is focused on doing everything she can to make the Brooklet Farmer's Market a success.
The market has been approved to accept EBT payments, and Wilson is welcoming vendors for the season:
Backyard Farmers! This is your time to shine! If you have a garden and have had a hankering to make some extra money, join us at the farmers market. There is no need for a business license as long as you are just selling your fresh grown goods! Pay a one time $20 yearly application fee and your $10 booth fee per market and you will be all set to provide the community with fresh produce!
So far, the vendor list includes Hazlenut Pastures, Rustic Petals Flower Farm, Cottage Geeks, Mini Homesteader, Bees Knees' Brooklet Honey, and more.
For updates, announcements, and details, join the Brooklet Farmer's Market facebook group, which is buzzing with vendor introductions and new members.
Vendors can apply by clicking here to access the vendor portal or by scanning the QR code below.