Summer-time memories are often marked by juicy watermelon, steaming corn on the cob and crispy vegetables.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is bringing those farm-fresh treats to Lake Orion. Residents can look forward to a farmer’s market tenatively beginning this June.
Plans for the market are still in the works, but the DDA subcommittee in charge of the project hopes to kick it off during the Flower Fair in May. Potential venues include the lot next to Orion Art Center and Meek’s Park.
The DDA has $5,000 ear-marked for the market, most of which will go towards creating a logo, advertisements and shopping bags. The funds will come from money previously set aside for the restaurant pager system, and will not affect the total budget.
Leila Freijy, co-owner of Little Monsters and farmers market subcommittee chair, says the market will coincide with Concerts in the Park on Wednesdays evenings.
‘People can go down, have a picnic, then take home fresh produce,? she said.
Michael and Kathy Whelan have been hired as market managers, and, according to Freijy, funds for their wages will be made from farmers? booth fees.
‘We have a crew of dedicated people to make it successful,? said Freijy.
She added that one of the goals for the market is to bring more people downtown.
‘We want to make it a destination again,? she said. ‘Wouldn’t it be great to have this as another reason to get downtown??