Plenty of fresh produce to be found at weekly farmers market

By Kristyne E. Demske
C & G Staff Writer

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — After a spring filled with flowers for sale, the second year of the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority’s Farmers Market is starting to see more produce each week, a welcome addition according to Market Manager Mary Anne Demo.

“After awhile, you only have so many flowers,” said Demo of Warren, who helped the DDA get the market off the ground in time for the fall harvest of 2008. “It’s been a little delayed.”

She said the weather — with frost lasting up until June — contributed to the produce being a little behind, but the weekly market is now selling asparagus, radishes, lettuce, rhubarb and snap peas, as well as flowers.

The weekly market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday at the Packard Proving Grounds off Van Dyke Avenue. In addition to bringing visitors to the DDA’s corridor along Van Dyke Avenue, the market also means attention, and revenue, for the historic proving grounds, which receives a portion of the fees paid by market sellers.

“Last year we considered a test, and that was very successful and met all our goals,” said Bruce Webster, a volunteer on the proving grounds’ executive committee.

He said the Packard Proving Grounds Foundation wanted to make sure nothing was damaged by using the grounds as a market, the market had sufficient exposure and a little income was brought in to make it worthwhile.

He said the foundation’s status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization means it’s “thrilled … to be able to give something back” to the community.

“The No. 1 thing that we’re gaining from it, is we’re getting people on the site, getting interest in the site,” he said.

Indeed, Demo said patrons of the market are encouraged to explore the site and its buildings, and even picnic on the grounds when they’re done shopping.

“The Packard Proving Grounds have, like, 20 acres,” she said. “It’s just a nice thing to do on a Saturday.”

In addition to flowers, fruits and vegetables, the market also features Bigby Coffee — it’s one of the market’s sponsors — freshly baked bread, maple syrup, honey, jams and jellies, and work from local artisans.

She said they’re even planning a craft show at the market July 18. Crafters are still welcome to inquire about showcasing their wares, and there will be room indoors as well as outside for displays.

“You never know who’s going to be there each week,” Demo said. “It’s kind of helped support the local economy. I always love to see what’s available out there.”

Webster said the foundation is taking advantage of any money and exposure it can get in these hard economic times.

“We depend on ourselves, as volunteers, and for those who can’t volunteer their time, they volunteer some funds to us,” he said. “That’s very difficult in tough times, so it becomes doubly important to take advantage of anything we can.”

The Shelby Township DDA Farmers Market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Packard Proving Grounds, just north of 22 Mile Road on the west side of Van Dyke Avenue. Children and dogs are welcome, and the market is held rain or shine, through October.

For more information on visiting the market or becoming a vendor, go to www.shelbyfarmersmarket.com or call Mary Anne Demo at (586) 983-8305.