Farmers’ Market starts off small but growing each week

Stickers, bracelets, and other items for donation are part of the offering by “The Hive,” a small group of Riverside students who are interested in saving the bees in Manchester.

by Marsha Chartrand

“We’ve been doing okay but would definitely love to see more customers!” said Dana Turner-Queen, market manager for the Manchester Farmers’ Market.

An experienced manager, Turner-Queen has worked at Saline and Dexter markets, as well as a couple of stints at the Acorn Farmers’ Market and Café. She loves her jobs and she handles each market with the individual attention that it needs. She knows her communities, she knows her vendors, and she knows her market clientele. In Manchester, she makes sure that we have a small but decent balance of produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, and crafts at each week’s market.

Since the market is small, she tries to bring in some variety each week. Some vendors, especially those with produce and baked goods, are there without fail every week. Others come as they are able, on a drop-in basis, and they are equally as welcomed for the surprise energy they bring to the vendor area. “We have also found one food truck who is willing to come right now, despite the fact we have so few customers,” Turner-Queen explains. “Hot Rod’s. The food is fantastic and affordable — smash burgers, hot dogs, and other American fare.”

There is also live music from 5 to 7pm and they’d love to have people who are missing the Gazebo concerts this summer to stop by and listen to a tune or two … or three. Bring your lawn chair, if you like!

Another new addition to the entertainment at the Farmers’ Market this year is a Treasure Hunt, which reliably brings between 30 and 40 kids per week. “We get lots of smiling faces from that!” Turner-Queen says. “Each kid who finds the treasure, gets a prize.” (Adults, too, can go treasure hunting, but they may not be quite as excited about the prize offerings.) There are also lawn games to keep kids occupied so Mom and Dad can shop, visit, and listen to music just a little bit longer.

This week, June 29, the Market will host the rescheduled Fairy Festival, and adults can look forward to the Washtenaw County Health Department’s RV both this week and the week of July 20 for health tips and more.

On July 27, the Farmers’ Market will celebrate Pollinator Week with Bee Present Honey. A visible hive will provide a special learning activity for the entire family. Earlier in the season, an enthusiastic group of Riverside students were raising money at the market to help save the bees. Locally produced honey is one of the most hotly sought after items at the Farmers’ Market!

Stop down! You will be surprised at the variety, the camaraderie, and the fun you’ll find at our small Farmers’ Market. And YOU can be part of helping it grow. Current hours are 3–7pm each Thursday at Chi-Bro Park on Ann Arbor Hill. There’s something for everyone — even you.

Great baked goods are offered by a variety of vendors with a wide range of talents.

Shopping at the Farmers’ Market gives you an opportunity to meet up with neighbors and friends you may not have seen for a while.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.