Farmers markets in Downtown Bay City and Auburn are delivering fresh produce, handcrafted items, and more this summer.
That’s good news for consumers, farmers, and even the local economy.
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Traelynne DuRussel/Bay Area Farmers MarketStop by a farmers market, such as the Bay Area Farmers Market, and you're likely to find freshly-baked goods for a snack or meal.The
Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit organization that works with farm markets from around the country, points out several benefits of these community events.
The markets preserve farmland and stimulate local economies. In most cases, the food at the markets sells for less than it does at grocery stores. In addition, the vendors often share nutrition tips or suggestions for preparing the goods they're selling.
If that sounds good, you’ve got a couple of different opportunities to shop at a farmers market in Bay County.
The newest is the
Bay Area Farmers Market, located on North Jefferson Street adjacent to 409 First St., which operates from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays until Oct. 21. Its first event was held on June 3.
The
Auburn Farmers Market, located in the Auburn Park Pavilion, celebrates its seventh year today. The Auburn market is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays beginning June 19. Its Moonlight Market operates on alternating Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. beginning June 27.
Here's a preview of what you'll find at each market:
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Traelynne DuRussel/Bay Area Farmers MarketPure Michigan maple syrup is available at the Bay Area Farmers Market.
Bay Area Farmers Market
The Bay Area Farmers Market takes place outside The Jefferson Project, 409 First St. Vendors set up tents and tables near outdoor murals and the Bay City Sculpture Park and Garden.
Avram Golden, the Jefferson Project founder, says the Bay Area Farmers Market is a collaboration between the Jefferson Project, Downtown Bay City boards, and the Bay City Cooperative Market.
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Traelynne DuRussel/Bay Area Farmers MarketFresh produce is the hallmark of farmers markets. These strawberries greeted visitors to the Bay Area Farmers Market in Downtown Bay City.“The first market was last Tuesday. It was very good. The vendors were happy. The people buying were happy. We’re excited about the rest of the summer,” Golden says.
Market Coordinator Traelynne DuRussel echoes Golden’s thoughts on the opening day.
“We had an absolutely wonderful experience,” DuRussel says. “There were tons of happy, friendly faces. Customers and guests with full arms left with locally and seasonally-sourced goods.”
In the coming weeks, DuRussel expects to add educational and fun events to the weekly market.
“It’s going to get bigger and bigger and grow as we grow together in community,” she says.
Already, the market includes fresh produce and plants; meats; baked goods; massages; and hand-crafted items. Food trucks also park near the market.
Visitors are invited to immediately enjoy their purchases at a picnic area near the market, DuRussel adds.
“We want it to feel relaxed and homey and to create a good spot for conversation,” she says.
Golden adds that he is an enthusiastic customer of the market. At the first market, he shopped vendor
M-61 Meats, LLC. The butcher shop based in Standish specializes in naturally farm-raised beef, pork, and chicken.
“We got two ribeyes and cooked them the other night. They were phenomenal. It’s a different product than you get from the grocery stores entirely.”
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Graphic courtesy of the Auburn Farmers Market
Auburn Farmers Market and Moonlight Market
The Auburn Farmers Market opens its seventh season on Thurs., June 19.
Like the downtown farmers market, this destination offers visitors much more than farm-fresh goods. You’ll find baked items, craft vendors, and more sitting alongside the farmers.
Special events also are a key component of the Auburn Farmers Market.
Most notably, there’s a Friday night Moonlight Market from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 27, July 11 & 25, Aug. 8 & 22, and Sept. 5. The Moonlight Markets include music, food trucks, and mini events such as car shows and a bike parade.
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Graphic courtesy of the Auburn Farmers MarketEarlier this season, the market hosted a Walk in the Park Arts and Craft event. In the fall, on Sat., Sept. 27, the market mashes up Halloween and Christmas to celebrate “HollyWeen Daze.”
For a list of markets throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, visit the
Go Great Lakes Bay website.