'Home Town Takeover': Here's how Ben and Erin created a cool Farmers' Market for Wetumpka
If there is anyone who could talk endlessly about the importance of public spaces that help bring the community together, it would have to be Ben and Erin Napier. During their time in Wetumpka, Alabama, the couple has ensured that all their projects are drivers of change, in hope of giving back to the community and allowing the town to thrive once again.
From renovating the heart of Wetumpka called Company Street to public spaces such as Jeanette E Barrett Civic Room, the iconic Big Fish House and finally, helping community leaders such as the Rose Family, there is little Ben and Erin haven't done so far for Wetumpka. And, for the season finale, the duo is pulling out all the stops.
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For the couple's final project, they decided to go with another community space that all of Wetumpka could benefit from. The Napiers decided to renovate the Wetumpka Farmers' Market. The area which is used for the same is located right across the Coosa River, offering patrons a lovely view of the same. The Coosa River is important to the city's landscape itself. A tributary of the Alabama River, it begins its confluence in Rome, Georgia, before joining the Tallapoosa River to form the Alabama River just south of Wetumpka.
The stunning empty plot across the river was left unused after a storm. After a meeting with the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce, the Napiers pitched the idea of a Farmers' Market, seeing that local communities offer fresh produce and also create arts and crafts locally. The Napiers created a 24ft x 60ft structure, where artisans and farmers can set up and create a great space for a market. The Napiers also decided that a mural would be a perfect way to set the mood, seeing that there is a plain wall right across the location.
The Napiers got Jasmine Roth of 'Help! I Wrecked My House' to help out with the mural. Roth quickly realized that while the mural was a cool idea, the wall was far too porous to paint on. Instead, putting up panels to create a mural would prove to be a far more durable option.
Ty Pennington was next on the scene to help the Napiers with the Farmers' Market. While Ben was back in this studio creating swings for the market, Pennington realized that they would require four swings for a perfect view. Ben agreed and got to work, while Pennington went about completing the mural. The final product was absolutely stunning and truly changed the vibe of Wetumpka altogether. The city was thrilled to have such a stunning feature as a part of their town. As for Ben and Erin, they couldn't help but feel that Wetumpka was now home.