The mission of the Slater-Marietta Farmers Market is to provide a bi-monthly community event for all ages.
Our Mission
The mission of the Slater-Marietta Farmers Market is to provide a weekly community event for all ages that will:
- Provide a source of fresh produce and local goods to residents,
- Highlight Slater-Marietta and encourage residents, families, and visitors to engage in our community,
- Provide a community atmosphere where residents can stay active and healthy
This market is being created to function as an economic development tool and a community gathering place. The purpose of the market is to promote locally grown/made products, highlight our community, and encourage visitors to patronize nearby businesses. There is also hope that the Market will foster a sense of community and improve the quality of life for residents. The intention is that vendors, customers, businesses, and residents will benefit from this market.
Our History
The Slater-Marietta communities are special purpose districts located in the Northwest corner of Greenville County. Dr. Thomas Williams family was issued several land grants that formed an 812-acre plantation around 1784. Dr. Thomas Williams eventually sold the property to the Cleveland family and in 1837 the town was named Marietta after Mary Louisa Cleveland. When H.N. Slater and sons from Rhode Island purchased 466 acres in 1927 from the Cleveland family, it was then Slater was established. The purpose of the sale was to bring the textile industry to a community that was facing signs of economic hardship.
Our Present
Since the decline of the textile industry, the Slater-Marietta community has faced many challenges including a decrease in population from 2000 through 2010, and the closing of the local grocery store and several other businesses. In 2019, the Slater-Marietta Community Association (SMCA) was formed under the direction and in partnerships with Greenville County Administration, Greenville County Council, United Way of Greenville, Greenville Dreams, and Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, to assist with the revitalization of the area.
The purpose of the Slater-Marietta Community Association is to assist with the revitalization of Slater & Marietta communities through planning & development, education, recreation, cultural arts, services, and programs. One of the objectives of the Slater-Marietta revitalization is to provide resources for the residents to live healthy and active lifestyles. Without a community grocery store, the SMCA, with the support of the residents, businesses, and local partners, feels confident a community market could assist with providing residents with locally grown produce and products. The market would also provide the residents a place to gather to engage as a community with events and entertainment.
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