Wintertime indoor farmers market debuts today at Sumter fairgrounds

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Lovers of local produce and products now have the chance to continue shopping at a Friday market.

A new farmers market starts today at the Sumter American Legion's old poultry building on Artillery Drive at the Sumter County Fairgrounds. It will feature most of the vendors that had been at the weekly market at USC Sumter, which finished up for the season last week.

"They don't do the winter months because it's outside, and we found the Legion building is available," said Russell Singleton with Sunny Cedars Farms and assistant manager for the new market.

Singleton's pork products company has participated in the USC Sumter farmers market for each of the two years it has been up and said he wants to continue giving farmers and local vendors a chance to sell their products.

"We've already got enough vendors to pretty much fill it up around the edge, and there're a few vendors in the middle," he said.

He said he hopes Sumterites support the new market even when it gets cold and rainy.

"People don't get out as much in the winter, but we do have a roof and plenty of parking," he said. "There was one here a few years ago at the Legion, but they haven't had one in a while."

Look for signs at the fence on West Liberty Street at Artillery Drive and the big red barn logo, he said. The market also has a Facebook page.

Winter produces root crops, such as beets, rutabagas, turnips and leafy greens, and there will also be vendors selling jewelry, baked goods, honey, local and fresh dairy products, fruit, soap, clothing, fireplace tools, kitchen accessories and more.

Food trucks will offer ready-to-eat items, including Metro Street Grille, Smoqueology BBQ and Susie's Chicken & Fries.

The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 34 S. Artillery Drive.