Council thanks Berwick market vendors

As consumers, we all get tired of reading a label that states “made in _____ country”, or knowing that your purchase for that perfect gift is actually one of millions made. How to end your frustration, you might ponder?
The answer is here on the third Saturday of every month at the Berwick Town Market.
Local crafters, farmers and gardeners gather under the bridge at Sixth Street behind Ganaway’s Gulf Station and sell their wares. Everything is made from scratch -- just like Grandma and Grandpa used to do.
In adddition to shoppers finding unique purchases, the market also offers a time for visiting. On a monthly basis, you will see crowds of folks chatting and echoing “how’s ya family?” Sadly, we all live such busy lives that we need an opportunity to visit and catch up with friends.
The market was created in 2014 when organizers made a request to the Berwick Town Council. Their goal was to provide an avenue for local crafters to showcase their goods, and to draw the community and outlying areas together.
The council unanimously agreed and supported the Market.
The first market hosted over 10 vendors and was located adjacent to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. A $10 per month vendor fee was established in order to provide advertisement funding. Half of those proceeds would be donated to charity. The primary stipulation for a vendor to join was that all their crafts must be handmade or home- grown. In June of that year, the Market sent their first donation to Autism Speaks with over $200 for research; another $300 was raised that year and in December, the second donation was made to Breast Cancer Awareness.
In January 2015, the market grew and with that growth, it was requested that they move to their present location behind Ganaway’s Gulf Station on the corner of Sixth and Lima. Because of the downturn of the local economy, it was decided by the Berwick Town Market Board that the market would be a no -charge market.
Vendors include seamstresses, bow makers, jewelry makers, rustic signs, dog treats, hand made furniture, dolls; as well as homemade treats such as cookies, candy, fudge, canned vegetables and preserves, and fresh vegetables. Organizers hope that local shoppers will continue to frequent and support the Berwick Town Market.