It’s that time of year! Saturday life in a Michigan small town returns to downtown Farmington on Saturday May 19th as metro Detroit’s #1 rated farmers market returns for its 25th season of community service with a special grand opening celebration!
Michigan farmers, gourmet specialty food vendors, artisan crafters, entertainers and local dignitaries along with scores of patrons, will gather around the market bell at 9am to open our jewel market . A “Grand Re-opening“ is in store. Market volunteer Mary Martin, who doubles as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, is excited to participate in the opening festivities. “I have been volunteering at this market for years” said Martin, adding, “I have watched this market grow from a pup, and what it has grown to is nothing short of amazing. Coming to market is my weekly affirmation of community life. I can’t imagine starting my day any other way…”
Blues skies, warm temps and plenty of sunshine have been ordered to usher in a most festive day. The opening bell will be joined by a color guard, high school drum line and a special guest to sing the national anthem. Local musician, Larry Arbour, will perform live acoustic strums starting at 8:30am. A special 25 year birthday cake will help sweeten the day with free slices offered to the first 500 patrons!
May 19 also happens to be Armed Services Day! The American Legion Walker-Groves Post of Farmington will be on-hand grilling hot dogs side by side with special guests, the Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run bomber plant. The theme of this year’s festivities is “Swing into Spring” featuring Farmington’s social dance group, Swing Farmington, offering free swing dance lessons starting at 10:30am! This is a largely millennial group that even does the “Hokey Pokey”.
Our Little Sprouts kids corner, hosted by Mayfair pre-school, will be busy all day with a kids craft. On the market’s south bricks, Chef Zachariah Peterlin, owner of Peterllin’s Restaurant, will host a special opening day market cooking demonstration at 11am sponsored by Challenge Butter. Did you know that Challenge Butter is the butter of choice for over 100 years in western states and is now available nationwide!
Pick-up a free sunflower seedling and enter your name in “Sunflower Explosion,” a contest to see who can grow the biggest sunflower! Beaumont Health will be on-hand offering free screenings and to answer any of your health related questions in a casual setting. Stop by the market information tent to check-out our cool merchandise, pick-up a refrigerator post card of all our great happenings, and don’t forget to sign-up for the “Market Basket Giveaway!” Drawing at noon! Every Saturday promises to be a celebration of Saturday life! I’m looking forward to the return of our farmers, our artisans, our volunteers, and all who choose to start their day by coming to market! Join us!
The Farmington Farmers Market is located at the corner of Grand River and Grove Street in downtown Farmington, and is FREE and open to the public every Saturday, 9am – 2pm, May 19 – October 27. FREE, convenient parking. More information about the market’s weekly happenings and programs can be found at: www.farmingtonfarmersmarket.com.
Walt Gajewski, Market Manager
