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Jamestown’s 139-year-old farmers market returns Saturday

JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is eager for Saturday, June 10, opening day of the newly rebranded farmers market. The Jamestown Public Market will operate on the 200 Block of Cherry Street every Saturday, June through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Most people don’t realize that the Jamestown Farmers Market has been around since 1878! The name Jamestown Public Market was added to the city directory in 1913,” said Christina Breen, Market manager. “We wanted to preserve that piece of history and honor the efforts of past farmers and artisans who fought for over a century to keep this tradition alive.”

The change to the Jamestown Public Market was not only an opportunity to highlight the historic value of the market, but to encourage the expansion of amenities to mirror other successful public markets across the nation.

Also new this year, JRC has scheduled the 21-week event to take place on Saturdays. This change has been in discussion for many years, as community members and downtown business owners continue to suggest that weekend hours will improve attendance by accommodating people who work during the week. It also allows participants to enjoy free parking for the event. “Saturdays are a busy day for farmers but Jamestown’s market has proven worthwhile for them, so they are enthusiastic to see what a Saturday morning market will bring this season. We are hoping for a great turnout, which leads to improved foot traffic for downtown businesses and increased profits for vendors and farmers. Increased attendance also helps us acquire data needed to expand to a year-round indoor market at some point in the future,” explains Breen. This potential expansion is directly related to the amount of support received from local residents this summer.

The Jamestown Public Market is proud to be considered a small business incubator in Jamestown. Local farmers, artisans, bakers and chefs convene downtown to showcase the bounty of what Chautauqua County has to offer. This year, JRC has partnered with Univera Healthcare to sponsor the market amenities to encourage full success and revenue retention for participating vendors. JRC staff works hard to garner sponsorship and relationships with community partners to lessen the burden on vendors by charging a small vendor fee each week. In years past, vendor fees were eliminated for an entire season due to increased sponsorship. It has been the mission of the market to emphasize sustainability and maximize profits for local small businesses to keep the regional economy strong.

The market operates next to the Pearl City Arts building, which is quickly filling up with a variety of art, wellness, food and retail related businesses. “We feel privileged to be sharing the same block with a diverse group of businesses. We are hoping more people will become familiar with all that downtown has to offer this summer,” says Breen. “We are counting on our community to show up every Saturday to shop and support local!”

The Jamestown Public Market will feature free live entertainment from local musicians each week along with outdoor seating, food demonstrations and tastings, wellness events, and much more. This summer’s featured farmers include Abers Acres, Scotts Farm & Greenhouse and J & E Produce. For Peate’s Sake Homestead is back for their second season as the market’s only all natural fresh frozen meat vendor. Works from local artists, homemade baked goods, handcrafted caramel and cheese popcorn, maple products and local honey will also be available. JRC is always looking for additional local vendors throughout the season. If you would like to be a vendor, contact Christina Breen at 664-2477 ext. 226 or email Christina@jamestownrenaissance.org. For additional information, visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org or join the Jamestown Public Market Facebook page.

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