Farmers market off to strong start in 2015

Donations, grant bolster finances

Contributions from Shawano Farmers Market supporters, and a matching $3,500 grant from the Harold E. Pevonka Trust, have earned the market $7,185, the market board reported this week.
After learning about the matching grant opportunity, the board sent letters to individuals and businesses to let them know their contribution would, in effect, be doubled by the grant. The result was $3,685 in contributions from individuals and businesses from Oct. 20 through Dec. 31.
“We couldn’t be happier with the response of the community,” said Richard Sarnwick, Shawano Farmers Market board president. “Their contributions, with the match from the Pevonka grant, will give us a strong start for the 2015 market.”
The Shawano Farmers Market depends on donations, grants and vendor booth fees. The market does not receive a percentage of any farmer, producer, or artisan sales. Expenses include items such as operations and site improvements, market management, insurance, advertising, and community outreach.
“We feel the ongoing, positive results of this endeavor will benefit our community for years to come,” Sarnwick said. “We are already planning for this year’s market, and looking for ways to include more family activities and attract more vendors.”
The Shawano Farmers Market will run from June 20 through Oct. 10 in the 200 block of South Washington Street, at the corner of Washington and Division streets.
For vendor information, contact Nathan Falk at shawanofarmmarket@gmail.com.