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Farmers' Market to debut in April on Daniel Island
By Elizabeth Bush
Mar 4, 2009 - 2:24:01 PM

A Farmers’ Market featuring fresh produce, food, drinks, artisans and entertainment will run Thursdays beginning April 30 and continuing through September at the Family Circle Tennis Center.

The Family Circle Tennis Center will soon be serving up something other than tennis balls. On Thursday afternoons, beginning April 30, fresh vegetables and other farm-grown items will be among the many products available when Daniel Island’s first Farmers’ Market debuts on the brick courtyard in front of stadium court. Island businesses are hoping the new, highly anticipated event will be a win-win situation for all involved.

"It’s just a great venue for all residents on the island," said Greg Turner, while announcing the Farmers’ Market details to members of the Daniel Island Business Association (DIBA) last week. "And it’s an attraction to get people off the island to come here…This has been on-going for a couple of months now and we’re ready to kick the tires and go!"

The main sponsors of the event are the Family Circle Tennis Center and DIBA (the organization is providing $5000 in seed money to get the project off the ground). The Daniel Island Community Association, Charleston City Councilman Gary White, Mac McBride and other island volunteers have also been involved in bringing the project to fruition. The weekly event will feature eight to 10 farmers, as well as vendors for food, beverages, and arts and crafts. Entertainment and children’s activities will also be provided.

Okra and other fresh vegetables and fruits will be available at the DI Farmers’ Market.

"The Farmers’ Market is a great opportunity to bring a weekly event to downtown Daniel Island," said Bob Moran, general manager of the Family Circle Cup and Tennis Center. "Our hope is that this event will quickly become a destination for both on-island residents and workers as well as attracting individuals from surrounding communities. From our perspective it’s been great to see so many different island residents and organizations working together and we’re happy to be part of the team."

DIBA members have been working for many months to come up with ideas that would generate traffic on the island to help local businesses. Charleston marketing and advertising guru Nat Davis provided direction on how to "brand" Daniel Island businesses in the community. The Family Circle Tennis Center stepped in to hang a grand banner, funded by the Daniel Island Company, that welcomes I-526 motorists to "Charleston’s Island Town." The City of Charleston’s economic staff offered guidance in the form of business development workshops. Many in Daniel Island’s commercial sector are hopeful the new Farmers’ Market will provide the boost they need.

"This has just great potential," said Daniel Island resident Russ Long, in response to Turner’s announcement. "…Daniel Island has been needing something like this."

Turner said the event, to be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., will continue through September. The charge for tables at the market will be $15 per week for farmers, $30 per week for food and beverage vendors, and $30 per week for artisans. For additional information, contact Turner at (843) 471-2733.