DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — The Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market is officially back open after controversy over a temporary location threatened the future of the community staple.
The vendors have returned to the First Avenue location, selling vegetables, fruits and homemade pickles and honey.
The vendors say they couldn’t be happier.
“Just having it opened so that we can come this spring is very exciting,” said Marilyn Champion, owner of Champion Farms.
It’s been a long road after controversy over where the vendors could set up until a new market was built.
The farmers market board approved a temporary location last spring in a parking lot at the corner of Grant Street.
The board then attempted to move the vendors again to another location behind the 609 Social Market and Provisions restaurant on Walnut Street.
Vendors told News 19 that the market was losing its loyal customers. In turn, some decided not to sell there.
After complaints, the board changed course, keeping the vendors and the market in the temporary space on Grant until the new market was completed.
“Once we were able to work through some things that they were unhappy about, and we were unhappy about, we really came to a place where we had great mutual respect for one another,” said Kayte Coats, Treasurer of the board. “Now we can pick up the phone and call one another and have those conversations and talk through things with kindness and integrity and just work together.”
Marilyn Champion of Champion Farms said her mother would be proud of what the market has become. After all, the market started in 1980 after her mother sold walking with a basket of fruit and vegetables and sold them to people who needed it the most.
“I get teary-eyed just being here so I just have a lot of memories of my mother here at the market,” said Champion. “So. I’m glad to be here.”
Coats said the board is looking into expanding the use of the space as a place for local events and weddings.
The Farmers Market opens on Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for May 10.
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