We Davidsonians love our farmer’s market. Just take a look at the size of the crowds that come downtown next to Town Hall every Saturday morning to buy fresh produce, meats, flowers and more. Now, Davidson Farmers Market is hoping that love can translate into a cash payoff, in a national online contest called “Love Your Farmers Market.”
The nationwide competition runs through Sept. 17, and will dole out a top prize of $5,000, as well as smaller prizes. It’s sponsored by the websites LocalHarvest.org (a website and directory devoted to organic and local food) and Care2.com (which offers tools to help social causes).
Here’s how it works: Fans of the market can vote online and in the process support “local food, family farms and sustainable agriculture,” Davidson Farmers Market folks say.
Davidson Farmers Market got involved several weeks ago, after “one of our volunteers brought it to our attention,” said market manager Mary Jane Leach. It debuted at No. 95 in the contest rankings, thanks to votes by its fans. Since then, it has been climbing steadily. As of Tuesday, it was ranked No. 22, with 270 votes.
That’s only about half the number of people on the market’s mailing list, so there’s a potential for Davidson Farmers Market to climb higher. The market is in its second year, and regularly attracts several hundred shoppers on Saturdays.
Even if it doesn’t win the money, in the end, Davidson Farmers Market is getting a nice boost from the attention of its supporters. Ms. Leach said she has especially enjoyed reading comments by voters. “The comments are just lovely,” she said.
They’re saying things like this, which have to be a shot in the arm for organizers: “Small town market done right. Economical, healthful, and uplifting.”
And this: “It’s the happiest place on earth! It’s full of neighbors, laughing children and smiling vendors and music. The farmers and vendors are warm and friendly–always ready with advice, recipes and stories. Great variety.”
To cast a vote, visit the Care2.com site. (You’re only allowed to vote once.)
RELATED COVERAGE
See all our coverage of the market and local food at category “Local Food.”
Listen and watch an audio slide show called “Sights and Sounds of the Davidson Farmers Market,” originally posted in October 2008, near the end of the market’s first season.
