By Jessica Kenley

COUDERSPORT — Momentum continued to build around a proposed partnership between the local farmers market and the Chamber of Commerce, as community members gathered to finalize details on structure, funding, and upcoming seasonal events.

The discussion centered on how the farmers market could operate under the Chamber’s umbrella while maintaining its own governing board and market manager. Leaders said the arrangement would reduce costs, expand grant eligibility, and streamline operations.

“Basically, we can provide our own staff and we’ll cut our bill in half,” one organizer said, describing how volunteer support could significantly reduce operational expenses during major community events.

Volunteers and Community Support Needed for Maple Festival

Much of the conversation focused on preparation for the upcoming Maple Festival, where organizers are seeking volunteers for a range of activities, including bounce houses, obstacle courses, ticket sales, and general support at the Chamber tent.

The Chamber tent will also host a basket raffle and wristband sales for children’s activities.

“We’re going to be selling chances on the basket raffle and wristbands for the bounce houses,” one coordinator explained. “We really just need people willing to sit and help talk with the public and answer questions.”

Organizers also discussed whether high school students could participate in volunteering, possibly as part of community service requirements. Suggestions included reaching out to local schools such as Austin Area School District and nearby districts, as well as youth groups through area churches.

“Getting the schools involved would be great,” one participant noted. “Some students need community service hours, and this could be a good fit.”

Community Service and Festival Logistics

Beyond student volunteers, organizers also discussed the use of community service participants to assist with festival operations such as trash removal, vendor support, and general assistance to attendees.

The Maple Festival setup is expected to begin Thursday evening or Friday morning, depending on weather conditions, with vendors beginning arrival and setup early Friday.

Strong Response to Marketing and Social Media Efforts

Organizers also reported strong engagement from recent promotional efforts. Social media campaigns tied to community events drew thousands of views and hundreds of new followers.

“We actually gained about 150 followers just from one video,” one organizer said, noting that promotional content had also led to increased business inquiries and vendor interest.

Several attendees shared stories of community members recognizing them from online videos, reinforcing the impact of digital outreach.

“The advertising works,” one participant said. “People are engaging, and it’s bringing them in.”

Farmers Market Structure and Vendor Operations

Farmers market representatives emphasized the importance of maintaining existing systems for vendor communication, including weekly updates distributed via email, radio announcements, and social media.

One organizer described the current outreach process: “We send it out on Sunday night saying who’s coming and what they’re bringing, then follow up through the week so people know what to expect.”

The market currently operates on both seasonal and weekly vendor fees, with low-cost participation designed to encourage small growers and occasional sellers.

“We try to keep it affordable,” one representative said. “It doesn’t take long for vendors to see value.”

Banking, Fundraising, and Future Planning

The group also addressed financial operations, including discussion of switching banking services due to monthly maintenance fees. A motion was ultimately made and approved to explore moving accounts to a new institution to reduce costs.

Fundraising ideas included basket raffles, gift card drives, and tip board games at festival events. One proposal suggested using donated gift cards from local businesses to build raffle baskets capable of raising funds for essential Chamber equipment and operations.

Looking Ahead

Organizers also previewed upcoming community programming, including “Food Fun Fridays,” a monthly initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and increasing downtown activity through themed events, extended shopping hours, and community gatherings.

A special senior recognition night is also planned, featuring a candy giveaway for graduating students as part of a broader celebration of local youth.

As planning continues, organizers emphasized collaboration across organizations, businesses, and volunteers as the key to sustaining and growing community events.

“This is about working together,” one participant said. “That’s how we make it all work.”