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existence for 21 years and has been run by volunteers. He said that he would like the Public <br /> Market House to be given to the Hillsborough Farmers' Market so that it can continue to serve <br /> the community. <br /> Margaret Henderson said that she has frequented the market since she moved to this <br /> area. She brings her dog to the market and she would like the Board of County <br /> Commissioners to continue to allow pets to come to the market. She said that her dog makes <br /> friends wherever he goes, and she spends more time in downtown Hillsborough because of <br /> her dog. She thinks that dogs are an integral part of the community. <br /> Lawrence London said that he remembered the old farmers' market in Chapel Hill and <br /> people from all over participated there. He said that the origin of the Hillsborough Farmers' <br /> Market by Beverly and Wes Blythe is a prime example of traditional, grassroots, American <br /> lifestyle. He said that the products are affordable. He said that Hillsborough needs a market <br /> whose process for participation is transparent and minimally regulated. He said that vendor <br /> space should be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. This would eliminate the element <br /> of personal judgment of who might be allowed to participate. The market must be fair, fun, <br /> and friendly; free of ego, secrecy, or protectionism; and must have open and unbiased rules <br /> about participating. He said that the aspect of multiculturalism is real. He asked that the <br /> Board award the new Public Market House to the Hillsborough Farmers' Market on <br /> Wednesdays and Saturdays, and said that others could use it the other days. <br /> Jennie McCray said that she is new to the community and this was her first season as a <br /> vendor, and she is a baker. She said that Beverly Blythe notified her of her acceptance a <br /> couple of days before the opening weekend. She started her booth the following weekend <br /> and has only missed one Saturday so far. A few days before she was to begin, she received a <br /> call from Beverly Blythe, informing her that her application had been declined by the board with <br /> full knowledge that she had already been accepted. She was shocked. She then called Paul <br /> Reil and complained to him. After all, the application said that they were looking for bakers as <br /> new vendors. Paul was unable to give a valid reason for her acceptance to be revoked. Paul <br /> Reil called her back later that night to inform her that her acceptance to the farmers' market <br /> would be honored and that he and Beverly Blythe would take the heat for it. She said that she <br /> has been pleased with the market and she has developed a clientele. She said that she is <br /> impressed with Beverly Blythe and the management team and she has seen nothing but <br /> professional behavior from them, and they are the real ambassadors for the market. She said <br /> that she was at the meeting and she was part of the majority that voted out the board of <br /> directors. She said that everybody has a contribution to make and not just a select few. She <br /> has not seen any signs where the Hillsborough Farmers' Market has denied anyone from <br /> making any contributions. <br /> Beverly Blythe read a prepared statement, as follows: <br /> "Speaking as a member of the Hillsborough Farmers' Market Management Team, I <br /> would like to share some history with you. On March 7, 2002, a letter was written by the <br /> County Commissioners to Congressman David Price, and I quote: "The Hillsborough Farmers' <br /> Market has located in various parking lots over the past several years. The main interest of the <br /> market participants is to find a permanent location at which they can have a shelter." <br /> On February 23, 2003, I proudly stood at the podium with Congressman Price at the <br /> Grange Hall to accept, on behalf of the Hillsborough Farmers' Market, this grant in the amount <br /> of $90,000. The newspaper article reads, "This year's federal budget allocated a grant to <br /> Orange County to help local officials build a shelter for the Hillsborough Farmers' Market." <br /> Well, the vendors have been patiently waiting for this day, and we are ready. The <br /> Hillsborough Farmers' Market will begin its 21st year on March 22nd. The market has a tract <br /> record of being one of the best in the area. Each year, we grow in customers as well as in <br /> vendors. We not only provide fresh fruits and vegetables, we provide baked goods and crafts. <br />