Feeling like you’re missing a bit of that old-fashioned community spirit? For all you Mt. Pleasant, MS residents, the perfect tonic is right on your doorstep !
The United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, MS has been running a fun and friendly Farmers Market event for the last two years. The markets have really brought the community together, offering a venue for local farmers, craftspeople, makers, bakers, and food vendors to sell their produce and products and support the Mt. Pleasant, MS Volunteer Fire Department.
If you've missed out on the fun so far, fear not! The popular gathering will be returning for a Christmas Market in October 2024. Put your making and baking skills to good use and contribute to local causes! More details at https://www.facebook.com/mtpleasantmsumc
Open every Thursday from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, this year’s Farmers Market launched on June 6 and ran through September 19, with the exception of September 12 due to the tropical rains of Hurricane Francine. But for its last day of the season on September 19, Farmers Market shoppers and vendors were given an extra dose of Mt. Pleasant, MS community camaraderie, courtesy of the H.W. Byers High School’s Homecoming Parade that passed by.
As in the past two years, the Mt. Pleasant, MS Farmers Market featured local resident vendors like Donald Coopwood, who offered purple whole peas and hand-made birdhouses in addition to the okra he’s known for.
Vendors could display week to week; there were no contracts or long-term commitments, although visitors counted on seeing their favorite vendors every Thursday to pick up fresh vegetables and fresh gulf shrimp or home-raised beef for dinner and a cake for dessert on their way home from work that night. Booth and vendor fees have remained the same since 2022. A vendor could get a booth for $10.00, and a food truck could get a spot for $20.00.
“We averaged 7-15 vendors per week this year, “ said Colet Pierce, a high school Business and Computer Technology teacher, as well as a church member, Farmers Market organizer, and vendor who offered homemade jellies – including her uniquely created watermelon jelly. "Some vendors donated more of their proceeds to the Fire Department, especially when they had exceptionally good days, to apply how they see best. They know better than we do what should be done with the donations."
The Fire Department donations were generated from the booth rental and vendor fees, allowing the unit to purchase new tires for its truck and to help cover the costs of outfitting new firefighters, many of whom are Colet Pierce’s former students. “It costs almost $10,00 to fully protect and outfit one firefighter,” Pierce mentioned.
The Volunteer Fire Department entered into the spirit of the event by giving away helmets and coloring books to kids and smoke detectors to adult shoppers.
The event was conceived by members of the church who wished to make use of the square to bring neighbors together, help rekindle old friendships, and inspire new ones. The events have not only supported the Church's outreach via donations but also helped build a stronger sense of community in the Mt. Pleasant, MS, area. Many vendors also share their produce with those in need.
Pastor Dwayne Mayo says, “The wonderful church family that sponsors our Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market is a wonderful group of people who I am blessed to pastor.”
The 2024 Christmas Market event is planned for the 26th of October. You can find out more by visiting the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Facebook page or attending services. You can also arrange donations and apply to become a vendor by reaching out to Colet Pierce.
Come and join in the pre-Christmas fun at the next market event - call 601-519-1777, or visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083510282758
