An Interview with Christy Campli from Growing Roots Partners
This month, I’m thrilled to feature Christy from Growing Roots Partners, a Chester County-based community event and farmers market coordinator. Her work epitomizes the blend of local agriculture, handcrafted products, and community spirit.
About Growing Roots Partners
Growing Roots Partners orchestrates three weekly year-round farmers markets in Chester County, along with a monthly artisan market, Craft & Mercantile. They also host numerous community events, including the signature annual Good Food Fest. Their focus is on supporting small businesses, local farmers, and producers with a strong emphasis on local PA food and handcrafted items.
Community and Events
Christy took over Growing Roots Partners four years ago, carrying forward the founder Lisa O’Neill’s vision of promoting local agriculture and farmers markets. From managing three weekly farmers markets to producing large-scale community events like the Downingtown and Radnor Fall Fests, their mission remains steadfast: to cultivate a thriving local food ecosystem and foster community engagement.
Craft & Mercantile and Good Food Fest
Craft & Mercantile is a juried night market celebrating local artisans and producers, held seasonally with applications opening thrice a year. The Good Food Fest, an annual event since 2019, showcases an epic farmers market with over 120 vendors, live cooking demos, a pouring room featuring local beverages, kids’ activities, live music, and more. It’s designed to introduce people to the rich local food scene and the vibrant community supporting it.
Memorable Moments
One of Christy’s most cherished memories includes a day when multiple farmers called to report record-breaking sales at the Malvern Farmers Market. Another highlight was receiving heartfelt thank-you notes from vendors after the first Good Food Fest, emphasizing the event’s impact and the strong sense of community it fostered.
Future Growth
Looking ahead, Christy envisions expanding their events and markets, attracting more visitors and shoppers to support local vendors. They aim to grow their team and enhance community engagement, ultimately driving a cultural shift towards supporting local food and handcrafted products.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Growing Roots Partners offers various sponsorship levels, providing businesses the chance to align with their mission of supporting local agriculture and community. Sponsorships help sustain events like the Good Food Fest, contributing to the overall growth and impact of local markets and vendors.
Join the Movement
The next Good Food Fest is scheduled for Sunday, November 3rd. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of local agriculture, artisanal products, and community spirit.
Thank you, Christy, for your unwavering dedication to fostering local communities and supporting small businesses. Your efforts truly make a difference!
Be sure to mark your calendars for November 3rd and join us in celebrating the best of local food and community at the Good Food Fest. For more details and to get involved, visit the Growing Roots Partners website.