Market’s seventh season kicks off June 7

By Mary Beth Almond
C & G Staff Writer

BIRMINGHAM — With the downturn of the economy, many think it’s more critical than ever for residents to support Michigan businesses and buy products that are made or grown in the state.

The Birmingham Farmers Market — now in its seventh season — carries primarily items grown, produced or manufactured in Michigan.

John Heiney, executive director of the city’s Principal Shopping District, said most of the seasonal fresh flowers and produce featured in the farmers market is grown on family farms in southern Michigan.

“We’re proud to support Michigan businesses. Locally harvested and created goods are an investment back into the Michigan economy, so when people shop at the Birmingham Farmers Market, they’re supporting Michigan,” he said, in a statement.

Kicking off June 7, the Birmingham Farmers Market will continue to bring more than 30 booths bursting with a wide variety of locally and regionally grown organic vegetables, fruits, flowers and garden plants, as well as specialty products like handmade soaps and soy candles.

The market is a volunteer effort started by Birmingham residents Julie Plotnik and Stephanie Freedman, who came up with the idea after visiting a farmers market in California.

“This year, we’re going to have more organics, which is something we’re really excited to bring to the market,” said Freedman, who is also chair of the Farmers Market Committee.

Market-goers can listen to live music, enjoy freshly prepared food at the specialty cooking stations and participate in new children’s crafts and activities each week.

The outdoor market — filled with more than 30 booths — runs every Sunday, June 7 through Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot 6, on the east side of North Old Woodward, north of Harmon Street, in downtown Birmingham.

Michigan farmer Richard “Don” Hobson is in charge of all market operations — including the farmers and their goods. Hobson’s family has been involved in farmers markets for many generations and has been selling organic produce from their family farm in Clifford since 1888.

New this year will be the first Tomato Festival Aug. 9, which will feature a variety of tomatoes on display, gourmet tomato cooking demonstrations, a tomato-themed craft for the kids and much more — all to benefit Gleaner’s Community Food Bank.

“We’re working to bring more special event-themed weeks to the market,” Freedman said.

For more information, visit www.birminghamfarmersmarket.org or call (248) 433-3550.