By Natalie Anderson
natalie.anderson@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — With each weekend, more and more locals are visiting the new location of the Rowan County Farmers Market. Now they can do so while shielding themselves from the sun as they stroll down the line of vendors and farmers under the Railwalk Pavilion.

The farmers market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at 228 East Kerr Street. The new location has allowed for more parking with the lots of Lee Street theatre and Morgan Ridge. The market continues into the fall.

David Correll, who serves on the boards of the Rowan County Farm Bureau and the Rowan County Farmers Market, said it’s nice to have a covered area to set up for the market without the hassle of tents. The pavilion looks complete and organized and has a different feel than previous years.

“It has the feel that a farmers market is supposed to have,” he said.

Additionally, Correll said the turnout has increased over the last three weekends, and customer reviews have been positive. He said the community seems to have embraced local farmers and products, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic that included some food insecurity at grocery stores.

Mike Miller, owner of Miller Farm Produce and chairman of the Farmers Market board, said the turnout has exceeded that of last year’s, and it includes a lot of new faces. Though the space has been a little tight for vendors, things have gone “excellent,” he said.

And the market offers more than just produce as crafts, meat, jewelry, face masks and coffee are available as well. Miller said two new vendors will be joining next weekend.

Both Correll and Miller expressed appreciation for the road blocks and the efforts from the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority.

James Meacham, director of the authority, said the pavilion allows for a “greater sense of home” compared to previous seasons as locals can feel comfortable attending. Additionally, local businesses, such as Koco Java located nearby, has benefited from the increased traffic.

And with farmers markets located in China Grove and Kannapolis, Meacham said Rowan County residents have increased access to fresh foods and products.

Correll also said that within the next few weeks, local WIC recipients will be able to obtain a voucher from the Rowan County Health Department to use at the market for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Contact reporter Natalie Anderson at 704-797-4246.