Photo by Deb Jacques Fresh-cut flowers like these sunflowers provided by Van Houtte Farms are available at the Southfield Farmers’ Market, which is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday at the Millennium Centre.

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield Farmers’ Market, featuring loads of local wares from produce and baked goods to flowers and handicrafts, is returning to the Millennium Centre every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting June 4.

This is the third year since the Farmers’ Market was first launched in Southfield as a way of bringing the community together while promoting healthy living and supporting local growers and businesses.

“It’s one of those really kind of quaint, quality-of-life things that I think is so complimentary to a community,” said Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence. “I’ve gone up there and I’m amazed at the number of people who come during the day and take advantage of it. And since we started it, so many other suburban communities are offering farmers’ markets.”

The market, which is co-sponsored by Providence Hospital and C & G Newspapers, which publishes the Southfield Sun, has been growing steadily over the last three years, with additional vendors and shoppers each season.

“We have a good customer base,” said Mary Daley, interim executive director of the Cornerstone Development Authority and manager of the Farmers’ Market. “We have a lot of regulars. I’m trying to get more people to come here and experience it. There are 15 vendors this year, with everything from fruits and vegetables, breads and baked goods, eggs, cheese and milk — which is new this year — chicken, jams and jellies, soy candles, handicrafts, soap and natural-type products. And the first Thursday of every month is our special-events day, featuring live entertainment, giveaways, prizes and other activities.”

In addition to the support of local growers, buying produce or wares at a farmers’ market provides the shopper with a sense of confidence in the product, organizers said.

 “They actually get to talk to the person that grew it, or the person that made it,” Daley said. “They get to ask questions and see the actual person who created it, rather than some large corporation. … And the product is not traveling thousands of miles to get to you. Michigan produce is so much better because you don’t have that long in-between time. If you get Michigan strawberries, for instance, you’re going to have the sweetest tasting strawberries. You’re supporting your local producers and your local farmers, and you’re getting your fresh produce from the farms almost delivered to your doorstep.”

Celeste Ivey, a Southfield resident and owner of Patisserie Ci, which features all-natural vegan baked goods, has seen her business flourish since she joined the market, which comes at no cost to vendors.

“I just feel like Southfield is up and coming right now,” Ivey said. “It’s an interesting time frame and an interesting day to have a farmers’ market and more people are finding out about it. We did really well there and we will be back this year. I like the neighborhood, family-friendly atmosphere. There’s a lot of camaraderie among the vendors.”

Ivey herself shops at the market when she’s not focused on selling.

“The sweet corn was fabulous last year,” Ivey said. “I buy fruits and vegetables — there’s a lot of variety, it’s very fresh and good quality. They’ve got great flowers too.”

Debbie Liberman of Southfield was so pleased that the city started the Farmers’ Market that she brought her pottery and jewelry business, DL Creations, to the show.

“I thought it was a good idea for the community, plus I’ve been looking for outlets to sell my pottery,” Liberman said. “They are very accommodating. They made it very easy for me. Plus, it’s free. They don’t charge anybody anything.”

Liberman enjoys the variety of products available at the market.

“Everything is either grown or crafted in Michigan, and that’s really important to me,” Liberman said. “I think it’s a great addition to the community. Every week I buy some fresh fruits and vegetables, and sometimes they have a vendor who has wonderful fresh-cut flowers.”

The Millennium Centre is located at 15600 J.L. Hudson Drive.

For more information about the Southfield Farmers’ Market, visit the Web site, www.southfieldfarmersmarket.net.