30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ShemCreekRestaurants.com The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is a treasured community event that has been a cornerstone of Mount Pleasant living since its first gathering in August 1998. In those days, long before the market pavilion was constructed, farmers would set up tents on the Moultrie Middle School lawn. Hosted every Tuesday until the end of October, it offered locally grown produce from eight farms, sweetgrass baskets, fresh flowers, baked goods and peanuts. Mount Pleasant was led by then Mayor Cheryll WoodsFlowers, who also happened to be one of the first female mayors in the East Cooper area. The tremendous growth the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market has experienced over the years has earned it recognition as one of the state’s best examples of how farmers markets can serve the community well. Tracy Richter, events coordinator for the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, has managed the market for 13 years. “Something that makes us unique is that we are a traditional farmers market offering food only, aside from our annual Holiday Market & Craft Show,” Richter said. Nicole Harvey, MPRD Community Affairs & Marketing Division chief, appreciates that when vendors leave the farmers market, it is often because they have Locally Grown Mount Pleasant Farmers Market: A Community Crop BY HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN our town
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