City and country will meet in downtown Clarkston this summer, as city officials have approved a locally-organized Clarkston Farmers? Market.
From 7 a.m. until noon on Saturday mornings from August through October (with the exception of Art in the Park weekend), vendors will set up in the private parking lot on the north side of W. Depot Road, bringing farm fresh produce and other natural products.
Organizers Anissa Howard and Lynne Millies presented their site plan to the Clarkston Planning Commission on April 4, then gained approval from the Clarkston City Council on April 13.
‘It is in keeping with some of the plans the council has had in the past with our downtown enhancement,? said Council Member David Savage, who made the motion to grant approval for one year.
City officials put some conditions on their approval. Although local businessman Ed Adler reportedly gave verbal approval for the use of his property, organizers must gain written permission from Adler and secure a ‘hold harmless? agreement to protect the city.
Vendors and organizers will be responsible to clean up the site each week, and organizers must appoint a contact person in case police or public works have concerns.
Council members agreed that the use of private property is preferable over Depot Park as the site for the market.
‘For us to say that we were going to have a weekly thing in the park could end up being a problem,? Mayor Sharron Catallo said. ‘We’ve never let a private organization come in and do that, and I don’t know that we’re ready to. This is a great idea, but there will be other ideas.?
There was some concern about potential conflicts with weddings at Depot Park, but City Manager Art Pappas said most Saturday weddings take place in the afternoon.
‘Our goal is to create a family-friendly activity that will bring people to our beautiful downtown Clarkston,? says Millies in a prepared statement. ‘We believe it’s important for people to have locally grown produce available for healthier eating.?
Fresh goods from local growers will include honey, vinegar, jams, eggs and seasonal fruits and vegetables, Howard and Millies said. Non-food items will include soaps, pottery, and artwork from local artists. The market will have a lively atmosphere with musical guests and special events.
Millies and Howard are stay-at-home moms who each grew up on farms in Michigan.
‘As this area becomes more and more developed, we must do what we can to support our local farmers,? Howard said. ‘A market is the perfect way to showcase local growers and bring the community together at the same time.?
With city approval secured, the duo and a local committee of volunteers plans to launch a fund-raising campaign to help cover expenses such as advertising, supplies, legal fees and insurance. Planned activities includes the sale of natural soy-based candles at the Davisburg Kroger store from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on May 1 and May 7.
Those interested in volunteering to help run the market are asked to call Millies at 248-620-0021. Vendors interested in selling at the market may call Howard at 248-625-9696.