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Central Point gets a farmers market Its biggest backer wanted to help his hometown CENTRAL POINT -- The major mover behind opening a farmers market here this spring took on the project because of his roots -- and his love for people. Ken Bigham, 63, was born and raised in Sams Valley but considers Central Point his family's home. His great-grandfather, William Berry, owned the first Central Point Hotel back in the late 1800s. His grandfather bought the family farm in Sams Valley in 1909. He graduated from Crater High School. "Central Point is really my home," said the longtime farmer. "That's where my interest lies." He has spent the past several weeks working with city officials so the Grants Pass Growers Market can start a weekly market in town. Tentative plans call for the market to be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday on Oak Street between Second and Third streets, behind City Hall. Bigham said it's uncertain whether the first day of the market will be in late April or early May. "I think it's wonderful," Bigham said. "I couldn't think of a better place." Other cities with farmers markets include Medford, Jacksonville and Ashland. Bigham said the Grants Pass Growers Market has more than 100 vendors from Jackson and Josephine counties, although not all of them will probably be on hand on a given week. Fresh produce, cut flowers and hand-made crafts will be for sale. Any growers interested in selling at the Central Point market can call him at (541) 830-4127 or Marty Fate at (541) 476-5375. Bigham said he has always thought Central Point would be a good location, but never thought it was the right time until now. "With all the homes being developed in the area, they've got to buy their produce someplace," he said. He acted and pursued the idea after no one else responded to ads in the Central Valley Times seeking someone to help start a growers market in town. He was willing to spend the time and coordinate it because "I just love people," he said. A big plus was city planner Tom Humphry and the local citizen committee, he said. "The city has really been 100 percent behind it," Bigham said. Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA