Grow Newberry Farmers Market + Art

By Michelle Long

The Grow Newberry Farmers Market (GNFM) has been in existence for several years and was created by a number of organizations. Many folks recall when Clemson Extension organized the event at the former Newberry County fairgrounds. Eventually, it made its way to downtown Newberry in Memorial Park and was funded primarily through a grant. When the grant funding ended after the 2015 season, we at the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce were approached by folks who oversaw the grant about the program needing a new home. Since our county has such a rich history in the field of agriculture, delving more into that business sector was enticing, but there were the logistics to consider. Was a two-employee organization under new directorship going to be able to take on another program while revising existing events and programs, including a couple of new ideas already in the works? Ultimately, the decision was made to take on the market. By utilizing the structure that had been established under the grant program, we were able to begin the summer of 2016.

The mission of the GNFM is to provide an active, healthy gathering place for local vendors, producers, and patrons to buy, sell, and learn. We formed positive relationships with artists through Newberry Made and were able to enhance the artisan participation. We added live, local musical talent to some of the dates and worked with volunteers to offer free crafts for kids. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone’s “normal” for a couple of years, we worked with laws and guidelines to continue to offer fresh, local foods and quality crafts to friends and neighbors.

Today’s Grow Newberry Farmers Market + Art offers a variety of fresh, local, seasonal produce, plants, meats, baked goods, prepared foods, and handcrafted items. This year we have partnered with Newberry Arts For All (NAFA) to sponsor the live music for each market date. Sometimes a pop-up restaurant or food truck will be in attendance, and non-profit organizations can apply to host a complementary space for fundraisers.

Join us in Memorial Park on select Saturdays throughout the year from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Additional information can be found on our website www.NewberryCountyChamber.com under the Grow Newberry Farmers Market tab. Your purchases provide you with the ingredients for great meals and unique gifts while you also support local agricultural and artisanal entrepreneurs. A good rule of thumb is to be there when the sales begin at 9:00 a.m. if you want to have your pick of the offerings. For some patrons, that is only one reason to visit. The social atmosphere has become just as important.

If you're interested in being a vendor or a Friend of the Market sponsor, or are a non-profit organization wishing to host a fundraiser, give us a call at 803-276-4274, visit us on the first floor of Community Hall located at 1209 Caldwell Street in downtown Newberry, or visit our website.