ROME TOWNSHIP — Turning the Lawrence County Fairgrounds into more than a summer venue for events is one of the reasons some eastern end community activists want to start a farmers market there.

The first sale will be on April 20 and 21 where vendors can offer vegetable plants for the upcoming growing season.

“Once we get this started we are hoping it grows over the period of the summer,” Gary Brunty, coordinator of the effort, said. “After the plants, we hope to do the produce like they have in Huntington, (W.Va.). We are just trying to get this in the eastern end of Lawrence County.”

The market will run each Friday and Saturday. When plants are in season, hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. when produce is for sale.

Anyone can participate in the market and there is no charge to set up shop at the fairgrounds. Those participating will either sell out of the back of their truck or off a table they must provide.

One of the backers of the market is county commissioner Freddie Hayes.

“I think it would be a good thing to give the local farmers somewhere to bring their local produce to sell,” Hayes said. “To get the people in and let them sell their produce instead of having to go to Huntington. We need to utilize that fairground as much as we can for everything.”

Vendors will set up in the section of the fairgrounds used during fair week for carnival rides. Anyone interested is asked to call Brunty at (740) 886-5808.

“We are hoping this takes off,” Brunty said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for local farmers to participate in the community.”