WURTLAND The Greenup County Farmers Market’s permanent structure is taking shape.
Anne Stephens, of the Greenup County Extension Office, said the top of the steel beams erected behind the Wurtland office comes into view as one travels toward U.S. 23 on the Industrial Parkway. She said it’s a heartwarming sight that “advertises itself” and is a result of years of many heads and hands working together.
Established in 2005, the Greenup County Farmers Market will have a primary location for much of its activity. Satellite markets will also continue.
Stephens, Linda Heineman, Lora Pullin and Presley Grubb conducted a “groundbreaking” event for the new farmers market on Friday afternoon.
“Dirt has already obviously moved and construction is well under way,” Stephens said in celebratory fashion.
The official grand opening is slated for May 18.
Stephens recognized plenty of “project partners,” including Bobby Hall, Greenup County’s judge-executive.
Chelsea Smither, of the Kentucky Office Agricultural Policy, said before 2017, Greenup County wouldn’t have been eligible for such a structure, but the farmers market state program helped pave the way. It’s both state- and county-funded.
Jonathan Chinn, of Armstrong, said the facility will feature WiFi access.
Stephens also recognized, among others, Henry Patrick (Greenup County Roads Department), David Alexander (Violia), Duane Church (ENTRUST designer), Sen. Robin Webb and the Greenup County Farmers Market Executive Committee.
Jim Fields, a past president of the committee, said of the structure (in comparison to canopies and tents): “This one isn’t going to be destroyed.”
Robert Jones, the committee president, said it will keep folks out of the hot sun and/or rain, and that it’s a “durable structure that will be put to good use.”
