"Rock the Gorge" Concert June 3rd 6 pm-9 pm music by " Little Marvin & the Martian
"Rock the Gorge" Concert June 3rd 6 pm-9 pm music by " Little Marvin & the Martian
The market idea was the 'brain child' of the late Bill Rolfe, former manager of the Town of Glasgow. He sought grants with the vision of establishing a Farmers Market in town for local farmers and gardeners as well as local artisans, and to be able to sell their products.
In 2016 the lot at the corner of 10th and Kanawha St. was graded, laid out and gravel spread out. The Town sought and found Joe Glass to be the Market Manager for the first couple of years, until his health forced him to resign. That first year the market opened on Friday and Saturdays with Joe and his wife, and a couple of other vendors setting up on the open lot.
Bill Rolfe sought and obtained grants to have the market building become a reality. The Price Construction Co. out of Roanoke won the bid in 2017 and constructed a tall airy structure with spots for ten vendors under its roof. The number of vendors increased and folks took advantage of the fresh veggies and baked goods that were available.
In 2018 The Glasgow Ruritan Club was given the opportunity to take over the management duties. The Ruitans moved their food building - that once stood at the Natural Bridge Speedway - to the corner of the market building to sell hotdogs and drinks as a fundraiser for the club, aside from the market management duties. The building was also used to store signs and other materials and need for the market. When someone thought the white building was just for storage, a member of the Ruritan Club and local artist Carolyn N. Bradley, painted cartoon characters of hotdogs with mustard and ketchup bottles and a logo that said “The Hotdog Shack”.
The market continued to grow as vendors with produce, freshly made donuts, pork skins, baked goods and craft item were available. Customers also came for there for lunch, enjoying a hotdog, chips and a drink.
The 2018 year ended the first Saturday in November with about 25 craft and food vendors including a visit from Santa Claus and his helper.
In 2019 the family of the late Bill Rolfe had wooden louvers built on the ends of the building to protect the vendors from the sun and rain. This was something Bill himself had been working on before he had to resign as Town Manager due to his health. The building has also been used a Trunk or Treat event, an Easter Sunrise service and even a wedding reception.
Location:
Corner of 10th St. and Kanawha St.
Glasgow, Virginia