BRADENTON -- Kevin Webb had to stop and measure the growth of the Bradenton Farmers’ Market for himself.
“... 33, 34, 35,” counted Webb, farmers’ market manager. “Thirty-five vendors.”
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market, a Saturday morning showcase of local farmers and businesses on Old Main Street, has seen considerable growth this year.
The 35 vendors represent an estimated 30 percent increase over last season’s market, which runs from October-May. The market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Old Main between Third Avenue West and Manatee Avenue West.
And attendance has grown 20 to 30 percent, averaging about 1,200 to 1,300 people each Saturday.
“It’s really been very good,” Webb said. “We’ve gotten a lot of new vendors, we have different activities going on every week, and we’ve worked to create a better balance between produce and the arts and crafts.”
Obvita is one of those new vendors that has joined the Bradenton Farmers’ Market this year.
Based in Parrish, the startup business makes health and beauty products, including skin lotion and makeup from natural products such as plants and food.
David and his wife, Angela, say the farmers market has been an affordable means to promote their new business.
“We’re building a base of customers who are interested in natural health and beauty,” David Harrison said. “We’re able to help people get a better idea of what we’re about, and the market has helped us grow our customer base by about 30 percent.”
Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton, attributes the growth to several new marketing tools.
This season, Realize Bradenton launched a web site for the Bradenton Farmers’ Market and has utilized social media including Facebook and Twitter to promote the business event.
More events are also being routinely scheduled around the market including demonstrations from local chefs, the unveiling of new public art and children’s activities.
“We’re having so much fun,” Isham said. “The Bradenton Farmers’ Market truly reflects the mission of Realize Bradenton -- to build community and promote economic development -- as the weekly market drives business to artists, farmers and small businesses as well as promotes our downtown cultural assets.”
Leonard Murray, founder of Scroll Saw Designs, works out of his home garage in Manatee County creating detailed scroll saw designs on cherry, birch and walnut woods.
Murray says his home-based business has seen about a 3 to 4 percent increase as a result of the larger market.
“This gets you notoriety,” Murray said. “People know where to find you and get accustomed to seeing you in a certain spot every week.”
