Published: November 12, 2009 10:03 am      

‘Harvesters’ find interest in Attala Farmers Market

If the “Hometown Harvesters” have their way, come May there will be an Attala County Farmers Market in the grassy area in front of the coliseum every Saturday morning.

Just imagine the site of tents and pickup trucks laden with homegrown, fresh vegetables and fruits for sale.

How about fresh eggs and milk? Maybe a few crafts thrown in for a good mix.

At least that’s what Hart Pettit, a member of the harvester group, envisions for the market place.

Pettit along with Aaron Akers, Todd Burrell, Juanita Fleming, Lynn Graham, Alyson Land, Ryan Lindsay, Destin Moore, Semone Olive and Sam Potts have taken on the project as part of the 12th Leadership Attala Class.

The group recently met with area farmers to see if the interest was there.

Everyone in attendance said there were in, Lindsay said.

It’s not just for the large farmers. Those with back-yard gardens are also welcome to sell their produce.

Pettit and Lindsay, both familiar with farmers markets, said it was the freshness the goods and atmosphere off an open trading venue that make a trip to the farmers market worthwhile.

The Harvesters hope to establish a board comprised of farmers and representatives of both city and county government.

Those wanting to sell items will have to fill out a vendor application and pay a small fee to aid in the advertisement of the market place.

Leadership Attala is designed to develop a network of competent leaders for present and future needs in Attala County. Specific leadership skills that are cultivated through this seven-month project are problem-solving, communications, and team-building.