Locally owned and operated businesses will have a chance to set up shop in downtown Elizabethton beginning in May.
The Elizabethton City Council unanimously voted to allow the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market Association to use parking lots on either side of East F Street for farmers market, pending final touches to be made for insurance purposes. The official title of the market is the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market.
Recognized as a grassroots efforts by City Manager Jerome Kitchens, the farmer’s market, spearheaded by different organizations including the Downtown Business Association, Carter County Tourism and UT-Extension, will operate every Tuesday beginning May 2 until October 31 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Cheri Tinney, chairperson for the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market Association, addressed councilmen and said the project has been 10 months in the making with an advisory board already in place.
The idea for market came from research by members of the Carter County Community Advisory Board. A poll was released to the community months with different topics, including what days and times would work for community members and feedback was received from over hundreds.
City Parks and Recreation Director Mike Mains, who has helped with the project, added the location of the market will help propel tourists to downtown while allowing attendees to use new bathrooms placed downtown. Tinney added she spoke with First Christian Church and Elizabethton Chief of Police Jason Shaw and received an OK from both parties, where the parkings lots are adjacent to.
The association is drafting bylaws and regulations to be put in place. Prices for vendors are currently to be determined, according to Tinney.
The goal of the market is to promote healthy living, close relationships with neighbors and provide an impact economically by bringing individuals into the city, Tinney added. Individuals will also have a chance to become stakeholders within the association and offer a SNAP benefit program. The market is also looking for a fiscal sponsor.
Before delving into the resolutions and ordinances for Thursday’s agenda, an impromptu swear-in ceremony was held for Sgt. Patrick White – who was promoted to captain of the Elizabethton Police Department.
Shaw commended the efforts of White, who has been recognized locally and nationally for his work as a police officer. White is a 13-year veteran of the force and served his country during Operation Desert Storm. Shaw added that four sergeants went through rigorous vetting for the promotion.
Councilmen also unanimously approved the one-year contract extension for the Elizabethton Twins minor league baseball team to continue play. Mains added that talks will continue between the city and Minnesota Twins organization to see about the longevity in the city following this season.
Mains, who serves as the GM for the Elizabethton Twins, added that steps are going to be taken this season in marketing and social media to attract more attendees to games to bulk up revenues. Along with attracting patrons, Mains added the department will look at bringing in a part-time assistant GM to help with operations during the season.