History:
Plans for the market began in February of 2005 when a group of
interested volunteers met at a meeting hosted by our Clemson
University County Extension Agent and our local House Dist. 54
legislator. Within 3 months, we recruited several farmers,
nurserymen, a baker, gardeners and hobbyists, and we opened our
first market on May 7th.
Major sponsors are the First Community Bank of Camden which donated
use of the land, the City of Camden which provided insurance and
annual financial support, Kershaw County and the SC Dept. of
Agriculture which also provide annual financial support. Our
average customer base grew to a high, in 2006, of over 37,000 with
17 vendors. The 2007 Easter frost, the drought and the
merciless mid summer temperatures conspired to reduce local farm
output considerably. Without produce, attendance dropped more
than one third. However, vendor participation continued to
grow because of the enthusiasm generated by the previous year’s
performance, and we now operate from a base of 207 producers who are
fruit & vegetable farmers, nurserymen, bakers, livestock & poultry
farmers, gardeners and hobbyists. With more favorable weather
this year, we hope for a 2008 recovery that exceeds our 2006
attendance.
Our farmers and growers now sell to customers at the Northeast
Farmers Market (NEFM) in Lake Carolina and the new Sandhill Farmers
Market on Clemson Rd., across from the Village at Sandhill.
We are gearing up for the 2010 season, with lots of exciting
changes. The market map has changed to allow for better traffic
flow. In addition to new grower and producer vendors, we are
inviting local artisans to become vendors as well. Chefs from local
restaurants and artisans will be performing demonstrations
throughout the season. A new picnic area allows consumers to sit and
enjoy their market bounty while listening to local musicians
perform.