Tuesday night at Northside Church, Texarkana, Texas, Tom Ayers, chairman of the Gateway Farmers Market, the Arkansas-side market, presented a plaque to two representatives of the Texarkana, Ark., Advertising and Promotion Commission for the commission's efforts to help improve the market and its ability to accommodate vendors and customers.
The award to Linda Teeters and Brandon Cogburn came from the Arkansas Farmers Market Association based on a recommendation from Ayers and the oversight committee. The A and P Commission was picked from several different organizations up for consideration.
Ayers says the A and P Commission provided funds in 2017 and 2018 that would allow the farmer's market to handle more vendors and customers in comfort and shelter, including concrete for more vendor slots as well as fans and curtains.
"The previous space for our vendors was able to accommodate 15 vendors under covered space," Ayers said.
Ayers made an appeal to the A and P Commission, who began providing assistance, starting with $5,000 in 2017 that enable Gateway to increase the number of vendors it can accommodate under cover. A total of $4,000 came in 2018 which added new features, increasing shelter and comfort for participants in the farmers market.
Ayers, who has been the chairman of Gateway Farmers Market for six years, said improvements to the market are still being added.
In a letter accompanying the plaque given to Teeters and Cogburn, the Gateway Farmers Market Oversight Committee expressed gratitude for their efforts.
"Again, we are thankful to the Texarkana, Arkansas, Advertising and Promotion Commission partners with us to help provide a nice marketplace where the community can shop for fresh fruit, produce, jams and jellies, baked goods and crafts. Thanks for your consideration of our nominee."