Birmingham Farmer's Market Set To Open

From Birmingham Farmers Market: The sweet smell of flowers and fresh baked goods will soon grace Public Parking Lot 6 as the Birmingham Farmers Market returns for its 15th season on Sunday, May 7. Warming temperatures, live music and comradery among shoppers add to the lively event, which draws thousands each Sunday throughout the season. The market is located at 660 North Old Woodward, across from Salvatore Scallopini Restaurant and just north of Booth Park. It will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. every Sunday from May 7 through October 29. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the information booth for free balloons for children throughout Opening Day.

The market welcomes brand new vendors, including: The Cheese People of Grand Rapids, White Pine Coffee, Lavender Lane, The Martin Family Farm's organic produce, Motor City Pops, Mrs. Pruitt's Gourmet Cha Cha Salsa, Skinny Sweets Detroit, Khao San, Cason Beverage, Bella Rouge BBQ and Harold's Italian Ice.

The Birmingham Farmers Market, along with the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), is pleased to announce that Birmingham Shopping District staff member, Ellen Yerks, recently completed the MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program. Yerks is one of 239 individuals who have been certified since the program first started in 2011. She completed 35 hours of training focused on leadership skills and professional development in relevant topics to market managing.

“The program offered in-depth training to help students become successful market managers,” said Yerks. “I look forward to applying what I’ve learned at the market this season.”

Special upcoming events at the market include: Chef Clash Sunday on June 25 (Birmingham’s top chefs will go head-to-head in a cooking competition live at the market), the Corn Festival on August 13 (featuring all things corn, with special crafts and old-fashioned corn shelling), the Harvest Festival on September 17 (celebrating the bounty of the Michigan harvest with a petting farm and antique machinery) and the End of Season Celebration on October 29(held in conjunction with the Birmingham Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Parade).

The Birmingham Farmers Market proudly features exclusively Michigan-grown produce and is subject to Michigan growing patterns. By mid-late May shoppers will find lettuce, kale, rhubarb, asparagus, white onions and sugar peas, in addition to beautiful spring floral arrangements, potted plants, hanging baskets and flats. The market offers a hometown experience that’s fun for all ages, with fresh prepared foods, live music, a children’s craft area and more. Throughout the season more than 70 booths feature a diverse array of locally and regionally grown produce including vegetables, fruits, flowers and garden plants, spices, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, fresh meat, poultry, soaps, and dog treats, plus baked goods, hand-crafted items, soaps and decorative items.

Shoppers can access the most up-to-date information about the market by “liking” the Birmingham Farmers Market Facebook page, following us on Twitter @BhamFarmMkt, Instagram @BhamFarmMkt, or visiting www.birminghamfarmersmarket.org. For information about other Birmingham events, “like” the Birmingham Shopping District Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BhamShopping or call (248) 530-1200.

Images Courtesy Of Birmingham Farmers Market