KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — The Kershaw County Farmers Market is being recognized as one of the top five markets in the United States, and number 1 in the state through the American Farmland Trust’s Market Celebration.
“I’ve been to a lot of different farmers markets, and this is the one that we have the best return for our investment,” farmer Lance Samuels, with Bushels and Bags Farm, said.
Samuels' farm is based in Ridgeway, and he brings his fresh produce, mostly greens, to the Kershaw County Farmers Market since it’s a market unlike any other.
“The only market I know of has this kind of support,” Samuels said.
The Kershaw County Farmers Market was up against more than 2,000 markets taking part in the contest, and it was all decided by voters.
Rodney South participates in the market regularly and says it brings people from all over for his caner service. He works with cane chairs to replace them.
“From New York all the way down to Florida, Texas, they will come through here on their way to vacation, drop them off, and pick them up on the way home,” South said. "With Dorothy running this thing, I’m surprised we didn’t get first.”
Market manager Dorothy Butterson-Davis says she’s worked hard to grow this market and they’ve tripled in the last year alone with vendors. But what really makes the market special, Butler says, is the small-town community support.
“It was surreal, it was surreal, to be honest," Butterson-Davis said about their new ranking. "You get to know your vendors, know what they want, and try to keep them happy, but they know what the community wants. If we don’t have it, then my job is to try and bring that vendor so the community gets what they want.”
The market won $350 in total, which has to be used towards marketing strategies.
If you haven’t been to the Kershaw County Farmers Market, they will be out again Saturday morning from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.