Fairmount farmers’ market provides monthly opportunity to small businesses

The town of Fairmount held its annual farmers’ market this past Saturday. 

Vendors of all kinds were able to share their goods and promote their businesses to the community. 

“We started just last year…something for the community to be able to do, to bring people together to support local businesses,” market organizer Sarah Howard said.  

Howard said the farmer’s market provides an opportunity for businesses without a brick and mortar building to sell their products. 

“You get to meet a lot of people and bring fresh produce and baked goods and all sorts of stuff to town,” Howard said. 

The market, located in the parking lot of Grains and Grill in Fairmount, has more to offer than just produce. 

“We like to keep a good variety,” Howard said. “I don’t like to overbook the same amount of things. I want everyone to benefit, so we try to keep things interesting and bring things that you don’t normally see in a small town.”

Janelle McDaniel works for Wesson’s Canine Bakery, who is relatively new to the market. 

“It’s been monthly since May,” McDaniel said. “It’s a good time.” 

Wesson’s Canine Bakery sells grain-free and organic dog treats and skin care products. McDaniel makes fleece dog toys as well.

Local coffee shops like The Branch were also set up at the market. Assistant manager, Megan Kaufman said Howard approached her about being involved with the market, which led to filling in for one month last year, then becoming a more consistent presence this year.

“We’ve been here every month this year,” Kaufman said.

The market allows for each of these local businesses to make connections and get familiar with each other.

“Just creating that community, there’s been a good amount of camaraderie. All the vendors need coffee, so just being able to chat with them and see how businesses are going has been really good,” Kaufman said.

Howard said the market’s success has been great and it runs itself at this point. The market has one more gathering set up for next month before shutting down for the season.