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Date: Thursday, April 6, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: City Council Chambers, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris
The public is welcome to an informational meeting of the Paris Farmers and Artisan Market. This meeting is for current vendors and new vendors who have questions on how to participate as a vendor.
The purpose of the meeting is to review the revised ordinance, market guidelines, and new online signup procedure. In addition, the city staff will share updates that include further public improvements to the Market Square. Cheri Bedford, Farmers Market Manager, Caressha Milton, from Paris Lamar County Health District, and Laura Graves, Lamar County Extension Agent, will be present, in addition to other city staff.
The Paris Farmers and Artisan Market’s mission is to bring fresh, local food items to the public, provide local farmers and producers a place to sell their goods, ensure at least 75% of all agriculture products sold are grown in Texas, and be a hub of activity and thereby revitalize the downtown commercial district.
“Thanks in part to a wonderful selection of vendors, organizations, and public support, the Farmers and Artisan Market continues to fulfill its mission,” says Cheri Bedford, Market Manager. “It is definitely the hub of activity on Saturday mornings.”
The City of Paris purchased the area designated as the Market Square in August, just a few months after the Great Fire of 1916. Before this time, the downtown plaza center was the place for barter and exchange. The current location has remained a Public Market Square for over 100 years.
They built the open-air pavilion as part of the 1986 Main Street Project with 32 designated stalls equipped with tables, water, and electricity. It was designed and made by the City of Paris for the convenience of both farmers and consumers. The 2023 additions include electrical and water hookups for Mobile Food Units and a public restroom.
Farmers and Artisan Market are a Texas Department of Agriculture Certified Farmers Market and Go Texas Member. It is in historic downtown at the Market Square 400 S.W. 1st Street. Persons interested in participating as a vendor can visit the city of Paris website paristexas.gov.