The new Mountwood Market, a farmers market, will open Sept. 7 in Mountwood Park between the park’s visitor center/museum and the Carson Station Shelter. Organizers have 10 vendors signed up and are looking for more to bring to the opening. (Photo provided)
VOLCANO – Starting in September, people can purchase a variety of locally sourced goods at the Mountwood Market in Mountwood Park.
A few months ago, Rebecca Walter and her husband Jeromy Hauser of Walker approached Mountwood Park administration about hosting a farmers market in the park, said park director Jeremy Cross.
“This is the first time I have been approached to do something like a farmers market,” he said. “We thought it would be a great idea.
“We worked with them to make this happen and be able to provide another service to the public.”
The first market will be held on September 7 in the area between the park’s visitor center/museum and the Carson Station lodging.
“We will be open every Saturday from 10am to 2pm from September 7th to October 19th,” Walter said: “If all goes well with this test, we want to run it all year round next year.
“We think this is a great way for the community to come together, buy things locally and support local makers. We’re really excited about it.”
The couple wants to see “a little bit of everything” at the market, including bakers, artisans and more. They also want to have meat and fruit vendors. However, due to the drought this year, they have had some difficulty finding people. They hope to find more vendors once the word gets around.
“We really want to see everything, dairy products, meat and fruit and vegetables as well as crafts, baked goods and all that stuff,” Said Walter. “We would also like to set up a few food trucks there.”
The couple moved here from Waxhaw, North Carolina, and were part of a farmers market there.
“It was great to get to know the community and take advantage of everything it had to offer,” Said Walter. “It was a market that took place every Saturday.”
The couple want Mountwood Market to grow into a weekly event in the area, where it runs from around April to October. They’ve already had interest from people planning how they’ll landscape their gardens next year to take part in the market.
“We like it here so much,” Walter said: “There is so much untapped potential here.
“The people here are amazing. The artwork I’ve seen them make and the products I’ve seen them produce have blown me away. The people here are so capable.”
However, they do not have many outlets for these items, her husband said.
The couple said it takes them 47 minutes to drive to a grocery store.
“I think a farmers market in Mountwood will really support the rural community and help the people who live there earn an income,” Walter said: “We want to support the community and believe it will be great.
“It will also be something fun that people in Parkersburg can come to and benefit from,” she said.
Her husband said they will set up a test market during Volcano Days, September 27-29, to publicize their work and generate interest.
“We will open two markets before the Volcano Days,” Said Walter.
At the moment they are trying to find suppliers. They currently have about 10 in mind. They would like to get between 20 and 30 suppliers.
“That’s what we’re working on now: We want to attract as many providers as possible,” Said Walter.
In her 20-year career, she has been involved in founding companies and sales processes. She can support people in this process as part of a business consultancy.
“We hope to really make a difference in the community,” she said.
They have a website at www.mountwoodmarket.org as well as a Mountwood Market Facebook page.
For more information about the market or to become a vendor, contact the couple at 980-245-0925 or email them at [email protected].
Brett Dunlap can be reached at [email protected].
