Beginning May 17, 2015, the Market will take place rain or shine each Sunday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (with the exception of July 5) and will feature a variety of local goods for sale, weekly kids crafts and activities, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and even more.
“We are thrilled to be starting another season of offering great local goods at our weekly markets,” Canton Farmers Market Manager Tina Lloyd said. “By buying local you can know where your food comes from while benefiting both the local economy and the environment!”
This year’s summer season will see the return of many favorite vendors as well as some local newcomers to the Market, including: Jar Head Salsa & Tortilla Chip Co., Black Sheep Northville (wool dryer balls), Valganics (hand-crafted soaps), Cheesecake Etcetera, Mama Mucci’s Pasta, Stamatopoulos & Sons (olive oil and related products) and more.
Local vendors returning this season will include: Agricola, Baubles by Barb, Bobilin Honey, Cakes by Penny, Classique Gifts & Bakes, Crunch Granola, Don't Worry Bead Happy, Farmington Soap Works, Good Times Kettle Corn, Geiser-Weaver Associates, Grace Savory & Sweet, Jen's Gourmet Dressings, JKM Soy Candles, Kapnick Orchards, Kristie's Kreations, Lula Bre's Sweet Eats, Parran’s Greenhouse and Farm, Michigan Garlic, Paw-la's Pantry, Prochaska Farms, Sansonetti Sauces, SP Woodworking, Steinhauser Farms, Terracotta Paste, U.P. Pasties, Xiong's Fresh Asian Produce and Zingerman's Creamery.
Items available for sale on opening day include: honey, greens, spinach, asparagus, flowers, herb and vegetable plants, seasoning blends, jams, pasture-raised meats (beef, pork, chicken), granola, salsa, pasties, pot pies, sauces, marinades, salad dressings, artisan cheese and bread, a variety of baked goods, dog treats, hand-crafted soaps and body products, kettle corn, garlic, gluten-free baking mixes and more.
“Keep in mind this is a locally grown and produced market,” Lloyd said. “The season begins with farmers bringing spinach, greens, asparagus, flowers and garden plants and gets better every week as more farmers return with more produce.”
At the May 17th Market, Bob Skon will be performing music live on the Bartlett-Travis House porch and Chef Kristi Zebrowski of Grace Savory & Sweet will be preparing food with local ingredients and hosting “Salad School.” The Master Gardener volunteers returns with information on seed starting and kids can enjoy jumping in the free bouncer onsite, as well as planting a sunflower seed to take home.
Upcoming special events include a perennial exchange on both May 24 and May 31, as well as a demonstration on canning tomatoes by Michigan State University Extension Educator Eileen Haraminac on August 16. This year’s market will also feature twice as many live cooking demonstrations as last year’s, Lloyd said.
Canton’s free Bark in the Park event, located a short trail walk away from the Farmers Market at the adjacent Canton Dog Park, will take place during the hours of the Farmers Market’s opening day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 17.
“Market shoppers and dog owners alike are welcome and encouraged to visit both free community events!” Canton recreation specialist Laura Mortier said.
For more information about the Canton Farmers Market visit Cantonfun.org under the Programs tab, pick up the Farmers Market brochure at the Market or contact Tina Lloyd at cantonfarmersmarket@canton-mi.org.