Weekly Wyandotte Farmers Market Kicks Off Thursday

The Wyandotte Farmers Market, which promises to be bigger and better this year, opens for the season on Thursday.

The market, now in its third year, will be held at the corner of Elm and First streets from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Oct 18.

The hours of operation have been extended an extra hour this year in an effort to accommodate working patrons.

The outdoor market offers a variety of fresh produce, plants, herbs, dairy products, eggs, lamb, pasta, kettle corn, coffee, tea, soap, baked goods and quality prepared foods.

Several vendors from the past are returning, along with a handful of new ones for the season. Some of the new offerings include soap, dog treats and farm fresh eggs.

The market began in 2010 with nine vendors and has 22 vendors already signed up for this year. (For a full list, along with descriptions of the items they'll be selling, visit the farmers market website.)

has been hired as the market's first manager. She'll be responsible for overseeing the market and planning all of its special activities.

Henry is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment, where she focused on applying environmental justice to local food systems. She worked with the Ypsilanti-based nonprofit Growing Hope and helped to evaluate their programs in the fields of urban agriculture, community gardens and farmers markets. She also has experience as an artisan bread maker and vendor at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market.

“Our goal for the Wyandotte Farmers Market is to grow the market and to build a community space where local farmers, artisans, businesses, and the public can more actively engage in activities that sustain local food systems,” Henry said.

Natalie Rankine, director of , said she's excited to see another season get under way. There's a lot planned in addition to fruit and vegetable sales, she said.

“The DDA has planned a host of events and programming to support the market throughout the summer, which will help to make the Wyandotte Farmers Market a destination market in the area," Rankine said.         

Several activities, children’s events, demonstrations, programs and live music are planned throughout the summer, including:

• from 1 to 3 p.m. on opening day.
• Free live music at the market from 1 to 3 p.m. June 21, July 19 and Sept. 13.
• Farm to Fork cooking demonstrations from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 2 and Sept. 27.
• Zucchini Races from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and fastest zucchini cars.
• from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18. There will be sack races, three-legged races, tug-of-war, bake-off, extreme pumpkin carving, crafts, corn shucking, a petting farm and other activities for the whole family.

The market accepts Bridge (EBT) cards, as well as credit cards. Both services can be redeemed at the market manager tent.

The market participates in , a program that allows customers to purchase produce and deposit it in a specially designated cart at the market. At the end of the day, the donated food is given to the soup kitchen at the Wyandotte and to the , which operates out of in Wyandotte.

Wyandotte Patch is the sponsor of this year's Project Produce.

Wyandotte Patch also will have a booth from noon to 3 p.m. at Thursday's market. Stop by, pick up some swag and play a game for a chance to win prizes.

For more information on the market, check out its website or follow it on Facebook and Twitter.