JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is seeking vendors for the 2019 season of the Jamestown Public Market.

Those seeking to offer their locally grown or raised products, artisan crafts, or community organizations interested in highlighting their services can contact Market Manager Linnea Carlson. Past and current vendors have offered locally-raised meat products; maple syrup products; home-baked goods; value-added products; homemade bath products; eggs, and dairy products. Prepared food vendors, wineries, breweries, nurseries and more are also welcome as prospective vendors.

Carlson is looking forward to another exciting season. “Last year far exceeded our expectations and we had a fabulous and fun time week to week. We would not exist without the support of our community and we are thrilled to once again host an event that connects them to local farms, businesses and artisans.”

Funding provided through the USDA Farmers’ Market Promotion Program will continue to assist the Public Market in increasing promotion, as well as expand programming for the community. This includes the SPROUTs Club, which will launch its second year.

“Last year we had over 260 children register for the SPROUTs Club, and offered activities in partnership with organizations like the Audubon, James Prendergast Library, Roger Tory Peterson Institute and Eventz by Scott,” says Carlson. The SPROUTs Club is free to all children, with activities generally focused for ages 12 and under. Activities are centered on nutrition and agricultural education and last season included scavenger hunts, storytime, craft creation, nature exploration, and produce tastings. Children who participate receive a $2 voucher weekly that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

The market also hopes to expand its cooking demonstrations, providing tasting samples and recipe information to market customers. Volunteers or local chefs interested in highlighting market products can contact JRC for information on how to participate.

In addition, the market again has funds to compensate musicians and entertainers who wish to perform at the market.

The Jamestown Public Market continues to accept EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP coupons, and intends to again participate in the Field and Fork Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows SNAP customers the opportunity to double their SNAP dollars towards the purchase of fresh produce.

Carlson encourages community members to make a visit to the market part of their weekly routine. “We have everything you could imagine and more. This year we will be focusing on sharing information with the community on how to cook with market products, unique produce items, and the importance of buying local. And on top of your weekly grocery shopping, we have some exciting events planned including a visit from the Buffalo Zoo Mobile!”

The Jamestown Public Market will be held each Saturday from June 8 to Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Cherry Street, between Second and Third streets in downtown Jamestown. Those interested in applying as a vendor, volunteer or entertainer at the public market can contact Linnea Carlson at 489-3497 or linnea@jamestownrenaissance.org. For more information on market events and activities, visit the Jamestown Public Market Facebook page.