The 'Marketplace' farmer's market in Pulaski showcases what town can offer

The 'Marketplace' farmer's market in Pulaski showcases what town can offer (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

PULASKI, Va. (WSLS 10) - Local farmer's markets are a welcomed sight during the warm summer months and the success of one has more than quadrupled in the past three years.

The Marketplace, held on Tuesday, in Pulaski has seen major growth in the number of vendors.

Organizers say over the years the number of people selling their goods has gone from five to nearly 30. From carrots, to strawberries, to even wine the Marketplace at the train depot has something for everyone, organizers say. 

While the train depot is silent on Mondays, the area will be filled with customers and vendors Tuesday nights.

"There's a lot of community support there," Amy Tanner, a vendor said. 

Tanner sells seasonal vegetables at the marketplace. She says compared to other farmer's markets throughout the New River Valley, she always sells out at the Marketplace.

"Feeling successful like that makes you feel proud, but also makes us feel a part of the area," Tanner said. 

President of the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce, Peggy White says they've been hosting the event for three years.

She says to get people downtown on a Tuesday they have events where people can come in and eat or drink and enjoy music. The goal is to get the vendors to make money while people see what downtown Pulaski can really offer.

"It's a nice way for people come out from a different perspective and see 'Wow this place is coming back, this is no longer an industrial town this is the place to be,'"

John White with the town of Pulaski Economic Cevelopment said the vendors and growers are local, either in Pulaski or in the New River Valley, and that money is going to circulate here.

White couldn't put a dollar amount on how significant the market is, but he says it could show people the options in Pulaski, like the new Calfee Park Stadium where the Pulaski Yankees will play in a month.