Just two weeks removed from getting the ultimate go ahead from the Cadiz City Council, the Trigg County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program reports nearly $20,000 in funds have already been raised for its proposed roof project — which will cover the twice-weekly farmer’s market space between the Cadiz Baptist Annex and the Renaissance Stage in downtown Cadiz.
During the Tuesday weekly meeting of the Cadiz Rotary Club, Leadership captain Melissa Wallace delivered the spiel once more to Rotarians — noting an inaugural farm-to-table dinner tentatively scheduled for September 2022 would recognize key donors to the project, and in perpetuity would become this annual gathering to help create a sort of endowment and contingency for the roof and any other additions for the space.
Wallace specifically appealed to the Rotarians, as well, noting the space — if covered — would easily meet the needs not only of a popular farmer’s market, but for anyone else that could need such a space in the heart of Cadiz.
This could include the Cadiz Rotary Club, which could in theory use the area for its annually-successful Rotary Auction for some of its bigger items.
The thought is if the space were covered, it could be used more effectively rain or shine despite the season, and any fundraising efforts past a targeted budget of $60,000-to-$70,000 could lead to upgrades right away during the building process — such as electrical outlets, radiant heat, vertical lift walls, or perhaps even some plumbing for sinks and bathrooms.
Those are long-term goals, Wallace added, with the roof and some ceiling fans serving as the immediate need and as the basest of plans.
Ashley Johnson, chamber president, also noted that the leadership group has discussed the possibility of expanding the farmer’s market to be able to take in federal assistance dollars for produce — often used by senior citizens and smaller families.
The Leadership group hasn’t specifically discussed the possibility of one considerable donor coming forward in exchange for naming rights to the space — as the area is officially maintained by the city.
This roof, however, is completely driven by the Trigg County Chamber of Commerce’s programming, and both Wallace and another team member, Dustin Gilbert, said any donations and their attachments would be discussed and considered.
Levels of Giving
Cornucopia: $5,000 (four remain)
Name recognized on pavilion plaque
social media, radio and newspaper recognition
6 tickets to inaugural farm-to-table dinner, September 2022
Bushel: $2,500 (eight available)
Name recognized on pavilion plaque
social media, radio, newspaper recognition
4 tickets to inaugural farm-to-table dinner, September 2022
Peck: $1,000 (20 available)
Name recognized on pavilion plaque
social media, radio, newspaper recognition
2 tickets to inaugural farm-to-table dinner, September 2022
Corn Shock: $500
Name recognized on pavilion plaque
social media, radio, newspaper recognition
Tobacco Leaf: $250
Name recognized on pavilion plaque
social media, radio, newspaper recognition
Wheat Sheaf: $100
Name recognized on pavilion plaque
social media, radio, newspaper recognition
Checks payable to: Trigg County Chamber of Commerce (memo: 2022 Leadership Project)
Checks can be mailed to Trigg County Chamber of Commerce, ATTN: Leadership Project, PO Box 647, Cadiz, Kentucky, 42211.
All donations are due by January 15, 2022, and Wallace said the group would like to see the roof contracted and constructed before the 2022 farmer’s market season opens next April.
If too many donors come forward, Wallace said a second inaugural dinner would be explored.
