Carbondale farmers market Sat. to feature return of Market Bucks | Community Spirit

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The Carbondale Winter Farmers Market on Saturday, February 2 will feature tastings from Darn Hot Peppers and kids' activities involving crafts and food sponsored by Dayemi.

In addition, organizers say Market Bucks will make their return.  

In December, fifty Market Bucks were passed out and changed hands several times during one four-hour market.  The next round of Market Bucks will be valid for a full month. Vendors will accept them as equivalent to one dollar, and may give them as change so customers can spend them again.

“The purpose is two-fold: to bring people into the market for fresh, local produce; and to demonstrate the value of buying local," said Elissa Johnson, market co-organizer. "A dollar spent locally helps the local economy more than one spent online, out of town, or at a national chain.”

On Feb. 2, the first 25 people to come into the market after 9 a.m. will be handed a Market Buck. More Bucks will be distributed by participating churches. If other sponsors can be found, Bucks will also go to food pantries.

Each Buck is printed with the name of the sponsor and the dates it is valid. Individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring Bucks are asked to contact co-organizer Sarah Heyer at 525-5525 or keepcb1326@gmail.com.

The market is located at Thomas School (1025 North Wall Street) and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Music is provided by After Barbed Wire (folk/bluegrass).

Interested people can find more information at carbondalewintermarket.blogspot.com and  carbondalewintermarket on facebook, or by writing to carbondalewintermarket@gmail.com.

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