BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market has successfully finished a $58,000 fundraising campaign to help with the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Planet Gas station parcel on Route 9.
In the coming months, this site will be transformed into space for vending, driveway access, and parking for the market.
The market partnered with the Vermont Land Trust to raise this money, so the market could continue at this location.
Now in its 41st season, the market has more than 50 vendors who set up tables and displays in a shady area along the Whetstone Brook. Nearly 1,500 residents and visitors gather each Saturday from May to October to buy local food and crafts.
The entire redevelopment project cost was $232,400, and much of that was raised in grants and loans, including assistance from the USDA Rural Development program, Vermont Working Lands Enterprise program, and the Windham Regional Commission's Brownfield Clean Up Grant program.
The $58,000 fundraising campaign brought in private donations from nearly 90 people and many local businesses.
A total of $31,000 was raised by several foundations that have supported the market over the decades including The Windham Foundation, Dunham Mason Fund, Crosby Gannett Fund, Castanea Foundation, and the Thomas Thompson Trust.
Construction activity at the former Planet Gas station is expected to begin this summer. To track activity, check out www.brattleborofarmersmarket.com.