The Shepherdstown Farmers Market’s groups of local vendors are excited about bringing the market back just a few months earlier each year, for an extended winter market.

With the help of Todd Cotgreave, a Shepherdstown resident and brew manager at the future site of the Town Run Brewing Company, market master Jimi Foltz and about half of the Shepherdstown Farmers Market’s regular vendors will be setting up shop this Sunday morning in the old Southern States building on Washington street.

Cotgreave said he came to Foltz with the idea to start the winter market because he missed getting to visit with the local farmers every Sunday morning throughout the year’s colder months.

“We go to the farmers market. I love them,” he said.

Cotgreave said part of the business model of the forthcoming Town Run Brewing Company, is to provide a physical location for local groups, events and activities.

“Part of the mission of our brewing company is to be a community space” he said.

Cotgreave said that even once Town Run Brewing Company is operating, the 4500 square foot open warehouse will be more than enough to accommodate both the brew pub and the market, as well as other activities throughout the year.

“We have more than enough room.” he said.

Sunday’s market will include market vendors: Peace in the Valley Herb Farm, the Cottage of Herbs, Peace of Cake, Fresh and Local CSA, Rivas Salsa, and Stone Hearth Bakery.

Cotgreave said Tudor Hall Farm will join the market the following weekend and the farmers who sell warmer weather produce will fill in as we get closer to spring.

Long-time farmers market vendor, Inge Ledden, of the Cottage of Herb, said she’s looking forward to this new opportunity to bring in additional income during months when her business generally slows down.

“It is hard not having any income coming in for three months especially when all my applications and fees are due,” she said.

“This is the time of year I develop new products.” she said.

Foltz echoed Ledden’s remarks.

“We have no where to take our products in the winter. It really does hurt some of us,” he said.

Ledden will have herb vinegars, seasoning blends, soups and loose teas among other products Sunday, much like her summertime site.

“I love the idea of having a winter market. It is so sad when the season ends and I miss seeing my customers,” she said.

Foltz said he thinks the winter market will prove to be a real winner for market members and fans.

“It’s going to be a great time,” he said.

Cotgreave said inviting the farmer’s market into the TRBC space speaks to the character the new brew pub hopes to establish. Cotgreave said its pub menu will reflect a commitment to locally sourced foods to go along with the locally brewed beverages.

A date for the unveiling of the new brewery is still not set, but works continues Cotgreave said.

In the mean time, Sunday’s market will include live music by the local musicians, Speakeasy Boys. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the market will run until 1 p.m. as usual. TRBC is located at 202 E Washington street. Parking for the public is available in the rear of the building.