Few Decatur farmers market vendors allowed to remain in place

DECATUR, Ala. ( WHNT ) — Some vendors will remain at the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market on Grant Street and will not have to move for the second time in two months.

These vendors reached out to News 19 because they feared having to move another temporary location. However, Decatur city leaders have handed them a solution.

At Monday’s Decatur City Council meeting, council members heard a passionate plea from people with the same message; please do not move the farmers market to yet another temporary location.

“Where they’re at I know it’s temporary but it’s better than where they are going to because I’ve been there,” said Judy Shelton of Decatur.

As previously reported, the market moved from its First Avenue location in April, where it’s operated since 1980, to around the corner on a temporary spot located on Grant Street while the First Avenue location undergoes a massive overhaul.

Two weeks ago, the farmers market board announced vendors will have to set up at the 609 Social Market & Provisions on Bank Street, a mostly graveled parking lot behind what is described as a modern eatery with better foot traffic.

Shelton is one of thousands who has shopped at the market for decades and is concerned that the uncertainty will affect a vulnerable population.

“I’m very concerned about the elderly going to the Farmers Market and I’m one of them. I’m 75-years old and I have a hard time walking on gravel,” Shelton said.

In pleading with city council leaders, the vendors explained how the market has become the heart and soul for senior shoppers in the growing city and how the city senior nutrition program became a part of their survival.

After hearing those concerns, city leaders have ensured that whoever wants to remain at Grant Street can stay at that location until the new market is completed in November.

The farmers market board told News 19 that the plan is still to move the vendors to Bank street temporarily.

“With the city helping us out, I can’t say enough but just thank you,” said Marilyn Champion of Champion Farms. “The customers backing us up means the world to me. You’re trying to make a living and when somebody tries to put you out or does something that effects the business and your livelihood, yes, it’s very important to us.”

Chris Sharp of Sharp Farms told News 19 that there was no need for the board to suggest another move that would hurt the vendor business.

“People know where we are and traffic is good, sales are good, and we feel like it’s in the best interest to stay here,” said Sharp.

To remain at the Grant Street location the growers will have to apply for an occupancy statement and maintain a grower’s permit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.