This season must be good for growing because Lake Orion’s first farmers market blossomed downtown Wednesday, July 8.
‘If you want to talk to farmers who grow the food you eat, this would be the place to meet, learn and ask questions of local Michigan farmers like how they grow, how to prepare the food they sell and why naturally grown foods are better for you to eat,? said Farmers Market Managers Kathy and Michael Wieland.
The first market featured three farms who brought Michigan lettuce, spinach, lots of leafy veggies, radishes, strawberries, sweet cherries, sugar snap peas, early raspberries, tomatoes and strawberries.
‘Everyone knows that Michigan strawberries and tomatoes have a sweetness that makes your tummy go ‘ahh,?? said Kathy. She added, ‘spending local money in Michigan puts the economy and dollars back into Michigan.?
The first market also included vendors like Lee Bissonette, author of a new children’s? book, Tina Berryer’s Essential Soaps, Ami Market Bags & Helping your garden Grow, Tracina’s Gourmet Specialties, Great Harvest Bread and The Bag Lady.
The Wielands say that the farmers market brings a community atmosphere into downtown.
‘People learn, talk more and will meet their neighbors and friends,? said Kathy. ‘Grab a box lunch from CJ’s, Little Caesars, Poppyseed, Chicago Brothers Pizza, Valentino’s or the Sagebrush and stay for the Gazebo concerts.?
In the future, the market managers expect participation from even more farms and some non-profit organizations, too. The farmers market may even continue into the fall, according to the Wielands.
The market is in conjunction with the Gazebo Concert Series in Children’s Park. Each Wednesday, residents can stop downtown from 3 to 8 p.m. for the market. Concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m.
‘Why not buy a healthy snack of fresh berries, loaf of bread or cherries for the concert?? said Kathy.
Admission to both the concerts and the market is free of cost. The market’s start-up costs were provided by Lake Orion’s Downtown Development Authority and the concerts are sponsored by local business, according to the Wielands. Property use was generously donated by the Village of Lake Orion and Orion Township. The market is located next to Orion Art Center and in Meek’s Park. Those interested in getting involved as a farmer, vendor or volunteer call Kathy and Michael Wieland at 248-693-7067. The Lake Orion Farmers Market is also online at lakeorionfarmersmarket.com