City Will Repeal Farmers Market Ordinance

Bourbon city council members voted Aug. 15 to repeal farmer’s market ordinances that restrict sale of produce to the designated area at Festival Park.

Ron Starbeck is a local farmer and told the board he’s overloaded with produce. Starbeck and other local farmers have been setting up at the intersection of Old Highway 66 and Pine Street near the Town & Country Plaza. They were shut down due to the ordinance.

Starbeck said the area located at Festival Park doesn’t give as much visibility as setting in town.

“Many years ago, we sat on the side street by Mobil,” Starbeck said. “We did that for years, then we figured out it’s dangerous sitting there.”

Starbeck said they sat in the grass by the city monument until the ordinances went into effect.

Mayor Danny Skaggs said when the ordinances were passed, it was to keep traffic from stopping on Pine Street.

Skaggs also said he called Town & Country Supermarket to see if there was an issue with farmers selling produce near their property.

“They’re one of our main businesses,” he explained. “I asked if they had any problems and they said if they did, they would call back. I never heard back, so I’m assuming they have no problem.”