The Sault Ste. Marie Farmers Market will started the season at 4 p.m. this afternoon under a large canopy on Market Square.
“We would like people to come check us out, get good food to eat, have a good time, see people, listen to music and partake in kids programs,” said organizer Greg Zimmerman.
At least 24 local vendors will be selling their crafts, art, maple syrup, baked goods, eggs, chicken, beef, honey, etc. every Wednesday at 4 p.m. throughout mid-October. Food trucks are encouraged to work with local businesses to set up shop.
“We really enjoy interacting with our customers, and introducing them to new stuff,” said Zimmerman.
As do neighboring communities like Pickford, Brimley/Bay Mills, Hessel and DeTour.
Pickford was first to start on Tuesday, May 17, scheduled to run every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Brimley Bay Mills Farmers Market will run a little later in the season from July 28 through October. No worries, as there will be a plant sale at its pavilion this Thursday from 4 pm. to 7 p.m. Another sale is scheduled for June 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Michigan Farmers Market Association Market Master Connie Watson would like to invite everyone to come support local growers.
This year’s focus is all about health.
“We work in collaboration with Waishkey Bay Farm,” said Watson of the sustainable farm developed and maintained by Bay Mills Community College. “They help me put on the market’s educational farm with the college. We teach community members. People wonder why we open so late in the season. I work to promote health. We are trying to prevent diabetes and heart disease. We host a family fun night on diabetes prevention.”
Kids educational events will revolve around healthy food options.
“We will have Michigan State University (Extension) come in and do a fish display,” said Watson.
Brimley Bay Mills Farmers Market is the only in the area to accept the bridge card and P-EBT to purchase fruits and vegetables.
Les Cheneaux Farmers and Artisans Market Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through September at the historic Hessel School House building.
The DeTour Village Farmers Market will open this Memorial Day weekend, and run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until mid-October.
Expect to see Jere Farms of Brimely out and about at various markets this summer, bringing locally grown and raised food options to the dinner table.
The Sault Ste. Marie Farmers Market is located off of Portage and Ashmun Streets in Sault Ste. Marie. The Pickford Farmers Market is on 185 Manila St. of Pickford. The Brimley Bay Mills Farmers Market will be on 11644 Plantation Rd. in Brimley. The Les Cheneaux Farmers and Artisans Market is located at 3207 Cedar Street Hessel. The DeTour Village Farmers Market 178 S. Ontario Street in De Tour.
Visit each market's Facebook page for more detailed information pertaining to events and vendors.
