Rutherford County Farmers Market Winter Market Open Through March '20

The Rutherford County Farmers Market, found in downtown Forest City during spring, summer and fall months, recently launched its Winter Market at 211 Main Street in Rutherfordton, inside Main Street Market. Here, Rutherford County farmers and artisans will sell local products on the first and third Saturday of every month through the end of March 2020. The market is open from 8am until 12pm and features a great selection of local produce, meats and dairy, and arts and crafts.

The Winter Market is already off to a strong start with 15 vendors participating in the first market on November 2. Rutherford County Farmers Market Manager David Hislop is excited to bring a year-round presence to the farmers market.

"A winter farmers market is an important step toward growing our farmers market experience in Rutherford County," explained Hislop. "Farmers and artisans need a dependable outlet to sell their products and locals need a consistent place they can always find items that are locally-grown and locally-made."

To make shopping at the Winter Market easier, customers visiting the Winter Market can use their credit, debit or EBT card to purchase tokens in the amounts of $5 and $1 that can be used to purchase items at the farmers' stands. Farmers and artisans can give cash change for customers using the $5 tokens. No change is given for the $1 tokens. Tokens can be purchased by customers at the red cart inside Main Street Market.

In addition, the Winter Market also accepts SNAP EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program payments. SNAP payments are only applicable for food that is not hot and ready to eat.

"We are excited to now offer SNAP EBT and provide this avenue for people of all income levels to eat local, fresh and healthy products courtesy of our Rutherford County farmers," said Hislop.

The Rutherford County Farmers Market Winter Market is held on the first and third Saturdays in November through March from 8am until 12pm. The Winter Market is located inside Main Street Market at 211 N. Main Street Rutherfordton. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/rutherfordmarket. To sign up to be a vendor, contact 843.597.3465 or email rutherfordfarmersmarket@gmail.com.