POTSDAM -- GardenShare was recently awarded a grant through the state Farmers' Market Promotion Program to hire a staff member for marketing and promotional support for the St. Lawrence County Farmers' Markets.

The $5,145 grant aims to increase income from direct sales for local producers through greater attendance at the markets.

"When I was hired for this role, my first thought was that our goal should be to evolve these markets from an errand people run, to an event they want to attend with their families," says Danielle McAuliffe, GardenShare's newly appointed program manager.

McAuliffe will assist the GardenShare market manager with the planning and coordination of a series of special summer events at the Potsdam Farmers' Market.

The series will kick off May 11 with the Garden Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the municipal building, near Ives Park.

"This event celebrates the start of summer for those looking to simply get out and enjoy the nice weather, and celebrates the start of gardening season by providing great resources for those looking to do landscaping or gardening this season," says McAuliffe.

The Potsdam Farmer’s Market will also be able to accept debit cards this year. Customers will charge market tokens to their debit cards, which can then be used at the market.