HOLIDAY FARMERS’ MARKETS REPORT MORE THAN $80,000 IN LOCAL REVENUE GENERATED (fwd)

From Angela Cardinali, who does PR for Berkshire Grown . . .

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:50:56 -0500
From: Angela Cardinali <angela@angelacardinali.com>

VENDORS AT THE BERKSHIRE GROWN HOLIDAY FARMERS' MARKETS REPORT MORE THAN $80,000
IN LOCAL REVENUE GENERATED AT FOUR BERKSHIRE GROWN EVENTS COMBINED

GREAT BARRINGTON + WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (January 21, 2011) – In November and December of 2010, Berkshire Grown produced two distinct Holiday Farmers' Markets in two locations bridging the local food gap between north and south county during months when farmers' markets are not available in the region. Berkshire Grown, host of the four events, brought together more than 60 regional vendors in November and 70-plus vendors in December. Based on post-market surveys, Berkshire Grown facilitated an economic impact of more than $80,000 for participating vendors of the holiday markets combined.

Vendors at the four markets – two in Great Barrington and two in Williamstown – were thrilled with the outcome of the markets. "It was an extraordinary event, well organized, well advertised, well attended… a perfect day!" said Roberto Flores from Good Dogs Farm. David Bushika of Jaeschke's Fruit and Flowers commented: "A most pleasant and festive atmosphere indeed, and a terrific customer base."

More than 2,500 community members visited the two markets in November, the weekend before Thanksgiving, with more than 1,000 patrons in Great Barrington and 1,400-plus coming through the doors of the Williams College Towne Field House in Williamstown. The December markets attracted more than 2,000 people combined, with approximately 800 in Great Barrington and 1,200-plus in Williamstown. Vendor fees, Berkshire Grown-branded item sales, sponsorship from local supporters and a grant from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) helped generate more than $7,000 for Berkshire Grown, which the organization needed to produce the markets.

"We're thrilled by the success of the Holiday Farmers' Markets," said Barbara Zheutlin, executive director of Berkshire Grown. "The markets generated more than $80,000 for local vendors because we provided an opportunity for farmers and local food producers to sell directly to community members at a fun event."

In support of Berkshire Grown, this event was sponsored by MDAR's Massachusetts Grown…and Fresher campaign, The Williams College Sustainable Food and Agriculture Program at the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives, Mezze Restaurant Group, Mission Bar & Tapas/The Market, The Red Lion Inn, Storey Publishing and Slow Food of Western Massachusetts.

2011 Holiday Farmers' Markets

Due to the popularity and success of the three holiday market events in 2009 and 2010, Berkshire Grown plans to host similar markets in late fall of 2011. The events will take place in Williamstown and Great Barrington with markets scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving and the weekend before Christmas. More details will be announced in the coming months. Visit www.berkshiregrown.org for additional details or call 413.528.0041.

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