A grand
opening date for the Coop Market has been set for Saturday, May
2, and applications are being taken for booth space.
In past years, the
farmers’ market — which was operated by Main Street
Gentry Chamber of Commerce — had been held in the park
along Main Street. Last summer, it was located in the east
parking lot of the Chicken Coop Flea Market on East Main
Street, making it more visible and accessible from Arkansas
Highway 59.
This year, MSGCC turned over
the operation of the farmers’ market to the Chicken Coop
Flea Market, and owner Melissa Graef plans to make it bigger
and better by erecting a building to house the market and give
vendors and their customers shelter from the elements while
they market their goods or shop for produce.
Graef also plans to keep the
Coop Market open more — from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday
through Sunday — with booth space available for $10 to $12
per week, Graef said. She is hoping that, with a building and
more publicity, the market will draw more vendors and more
patrons to Gentry.
In the past, the market was
only open two days each week and turnout was often poor on hot
or rainy days.
Post cards promoting the
Coop Market have been printed and are being circulated around
the city. They advertise music, food and fun in connection with
the grand opening event May 2.
Coop Market will be a place
local vendors can market their fresh baked goods, fruits, and
garden and farm products.
For more information on the
market, contact the Chicken Coop at 736-2255.
