Bethany Beach Farmers Market

The Bethany Beach Town Council responded affirmatively to a group of citizens, strongly supported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, which asked in the Winter of 2007 that the town approve the formation of a farmers market for Bethany. The Council's approval urged that the market formation be driven by a citizens group and pledged full support and assistance from town government. The Bethany Beach Landowners Association, the Womens Civic Club of Bethany Beach, the Bennett family of Bennett Orchards (owners of a lovely, old Bethany cottage), and many others took on the many chores associated with the ambitious effort to open a market in time for the 2007 Summer season. Special thanks went to PNC Bank, to Cliff Graviet, Bethany's Town Manager, Bethany's many real estate offices handling summer rentals, local newspapers, and a handful of public spirited citizens who all worked together to realize the market. We were guided by several principles and goals. First, we wanted a "Sell What You Grow" market. We wanted tmostly family growers with farms nearby. We wanted farmers who were committed to the principles farm-to-table marketing. We wanted a market experience that allowed maximum interaction between consumers and growers, and we wanted a marketing experience that actually contributed materially to the economic vitality of farming in southeastern Sussex County. For Bethany's residents and our many vacationers and visitors, we wanted to create an authentic connection between them and the people who grow the food they eat. We wanted to promise locally grown, freshly picked fruits and vegetables, and related products - still growing on Saturdays and served at our tables on Sunday. The Bethany market is vibrant, friendly, interactive, educational, and enjoyable to buyers as well as sellers. All of us are committed to making it a better experience every Sunday. Our growers are in fact our neighbors, and we celebrate that fact. Our many visitors are cordially invited to share in how we have made the Farm to Table movement a part of the marvellous experience of vacationing in the Quiet Resort.