Opening Day at Farmer’s Market Brings out the Sun, Shoppers

The weather gods smiled down upon opening day at the Shelby Township Farmer’s Market May 7.

Although overcast skies and drizzle were in the forecast, it turned out to be a picture-perfect spring day with temps in the mid-60s. That was enough to put smiles on the faces of shoppers and vendors who stopped by as the market began its third year.

Shelby Township residents Ed and Sue Gamble spotted the market as they were driving down Van Dyke and pulled in to the old to do a little shopping. “This is wonderful,” said Sue Gamble. “I like supporting local businesses. We’re sure to be back.”

The market is the brainchild of long-time Macomb Country resident Mary Anne Demo, who opened it in 2009 in order to bring fresh grown produce and locally-made products to the community.

“We’ve been having steady traffic all day,” she said.

Demo said the market celebrates the hard work and creativity of metro Detroit residents and helps to showcase their Michigan-made produce and products, like the colorful, reusable bags made by Beth “The Bag Lady” Hudson, who is back at the Farmer’s Market for a third year of doing business.

“This market makes up for the lack of a downtown Shelby Township,” said Hudson, who grew up in the area and attended . Selling her hand-made bags allows the Lapeer mom to stay home with her kids. Hudson was joined by dozens of vendors on opening day who were selling everything from Avon products to flowers, jewelry, homemade baked goods, roasted nut, maple syrup, birdhouses and pest repellents.

Although there was a vendor on site selling fresh eggs, the locally grown produce is still a few weeks away from being ready to sell, said Demo, who added that soon shoppers can expect to see lettuce, radishes and asparagus, as well as plants and flowers for gardeners.

Thanks to Michigan’s new cottage industry law, which allows for the sale of foods made in home kitchens as long as they are properly labeled, even more vendors will be able to showcase their wares at the Shelby Township Farmer’s Market this year, Demo added. Details are available on the market’s website, where vendors can submit an application. The cost for a booth is only $20.

They can join vendors like Shelby Township resident Bonnie Tatge, who was selling an array of Avon products; Diane and Don Sanders, whose “Cottage Collection,” features adorable baby hats any grandma would love as well as handmade glasses cases; Jim Cadwell, whose stone-covered birdhouses would be a conversation starter in any back yard; and Utica resident Kathy Gudneau, owner of Sustained Naturals, makers of organic pest and bug repellents.

The Shelby Township Farmer’s Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through October. In addition to delicious locally grown produce as it comes in season, shoppers can cook up delectable dishes with Chef Kendall Mitchell, who will be on site every other week. Tasty fresh-baked breads, roasted nuts, homemade jellies and jams, decorated cookies and locally-roasted coffee are also available for sale. For daily updates, "like" the Farmer's Market's Facebook page.

This season, the market will host monthly special market days, including a special September Harvest Dinner made from the vendors’ fresh produce to benefit the Packard Foundation. Rain or shine, you can head to the market on Van Dyke south of 23 Mile Road next Saturday and stroll among the vendors. You never know what you’ll find.