The Columbus County Farmers Market is preparing for the opening day of their 2023 season. While the official first day is Saturday, May 6th, farmers and vendors across the county are preparing for an ‘agricultural pep rally’ this weekend, known as The Annual Plant Swap and Sale. This event takes place at the farmers market building this Saturday, April 15th from 8am to 1pm. Manager, Amber Howard, says “A lot of local farmers start their planting season about this time, so this gives them a chance to trade, and we have a lot that do their own crossbreeds to cultivate better plants. So they can all trade or buy from other farmers or vendors.”

For the community, there will be plants available to purchase; and for this weekend only, there is no vendor fee for those who desire to set up a booth. Howard says, “the community that is looking to buy plants or trade plants, they’re more than welcomed to come. [Also] we are looking for new vendors and you don’t have to be a farmer because we do offer handmade crafts.”

Ahead of opening day next month, Howard says to expect a car show on opening day, expanding events with more community partnerships and a great season of crops and engagement in Columbus County. The vendor application for the farmers market can be found on their website (linked below):

• Website (https://www.columbuscountyfarmersmarket.org/)
• Vendor Information
• Follow on Facebook

The Columbus County Farmers Market is located at 132 Government Complex Rd. in Whiteville. Market hours will be 8am – 1pm, every Saturday from May 6th to December 9th. Also be sure to follow the #ColcoNC calendar for the Farmers Market 2023 Special Events!