Clarkston residents will once again get a chance to buy fresh produce and baked goods when the Clarkston Farmer’s Market returns on July 22.
The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. through October 7 in the parking lot across from Depot Park.
‘The response from the community last year was outstanding,? said Chris Hardman, who is in charge of public relations for the Farmer’s Market. ‘The opening day we had 1,300 people show up. We ended the season and everyone kept asking are you going to do it again next year and the answer was yes because this is a long term initiative we started.
‘We started it because we knew Clarkston was the right type of place for a farmer’s market. Fresh produce tastes better and is better for you. We thought it would be in high demand.?
The event was originally started by Lynne Millies and Anissa Howard. Hardman and Amy Siwicki later joined in the planning of the first year.
‘What happened was we got together and really saw there was a need for a farmer’s market for two reasons,? Hardman said. ‘The first reason is there is so many small farms around here and we wanted to give them another venue to sell their produce. Also, as mothers, we wanted a place to provide healthy local grown food.?
Hardman said this year’s market will feature more vendors.
‘We are excited to have new vendors,? Hardman said. ‘We have some new types of things like berries. We will also have a woman who does native plants and will talk about the movement of using native plants in your garden.
‘We will also have a cooking class. It’s something new we are doing. What happened is more people are buying processed food so the art of cooking with fresh produce is lost. At this class, they focus on what to do with the fresh produce you buy at the market. They will teach you how to make healthy and quick meals with fresh produce.?
The cooking class is from 7-9 p.m. on August 7 at the Clarkston Community Education Building and the cost is $40. To sign up call 248-821-GROW.
Hardman also said one of the goals of The Farmer’s Market is to create a place for people to come and have a good time.
‘Being across from Depot Park makes it a wonderful venue,? Hardman said. ‘It’s a natural spot for kid’s music. We will be having a group, Strum Diggity, on August 19, which is interactive children music. We also brought back an amazing storyteller. The kids just love her. We are also working on getting more food that people can actually eat there and hang out.?
For more information on the Farmer’s Market visit www.clarkstonfarmersmarket.org.