Blustery Market Day

It was a windy day for the Manistique Farmers’ Market yesterday and a real test on our new canopies (and the Market Master’s fortitude!). In spite of the wind, we had a great day at the market, with 246 shoppers coming through. Here’s the line waiting for the opening bell:

I know folks were disappointed at the limited supply of strawberries, but if we really want to commit to eating local foods and supporting local farmers, then we also have to be ready to roll with the ebb and flow of agriculture. We had a mild winter and strawberries started to bloom early – this was followed by below freezing temperatures which cost the strawberry farmers considerable portions of their crop this year.

Don’t be dismayed at the shortage of a particular produce, there is still plenty of yummy and nutritious foods coming to the market each week – and that’s just going to increase in variety and quantity as we continue through October. The farmers are predicting some produce such as tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries will be abundant this season (barring snow in August, major hail storms, or locusts).

We will be open next Wednesday, July 4th from 4-6pm, followed by Music in Manistique at 7pm featuring the Floyd Brothers.

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Extended Hours at the Manistique Farmers’ Market

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 27th) marks the 6th Manistique Farmers’ Market of 2012, and the beginning of our extended market hours of 4-6pm. We will be open every Wednesday through October 31st at the Little Bear West Arena in Manistique, including the 4th of July!

Remember, every Wednesday through August 29th, Music in Manistique will follow the market at 7pm in the band shell behind the arena. Tomorrow’s band will be the Jef Nelson Trio, and next week the Floyd Brothers of Manistique will provide music to celebrate the nation’s 236th birthday.

Fresh local foods expected at this week’s market include:

Fresh UP produce: carrots, broccoli, garlic scapes, lettuces, spinach, beets, rhubarb, strawberries, onions, radishes, kidney beans, wheatberries, herbs, and more!
Fresh UP honey and beeswax products
Fresh ground wheat and oat flours, and corn meal
Variety of jams, baked goods, dried pastas, and granola – all locally produced!
Beef, beef sticks and free range eggs from happy UP chickens

Remember: WIC and Senior Project FRESH coupons are accepted at the Manistique Farmers’ Market.

Great Day at the Market!

Wow! 206 shoppers in one hour at the Manistique Farmers’ Market yesterday! Great weather, great local foods, and a great time meeting up with old and new neighbors. A special thank you to Tom Coon, Jim Lucas, and Tracie Abram of Michigan State University Extension – thanks for all the help at the market and for presenting the new MSU Extension at the market. We are looking forward to a successful millage on August 7th to bring all the great services of MSUE back to Schoolcraft County.

Biggest thank-you of all to our wonderful farmers, cottage food producers, and the people of Manistique for loving and support our local farmers’ market!

Remember, next week (June 20th) the market will be open from 5-6pm, but the following week we move to our expanded ours of 4-6pm every Wednesday right through Halloween.

See you at the Market!

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State MSU Extension Director to Attend Manistique Farmers’ Market

Dr. Thomas Coon, Director of Michigan State University Extension Services will be at the Manistique Farmers’ Market this Wednesday, June 13th from 5-6pm. Dr. Coon will be available to answer questions about the new MSUE and the many benefits they provide to our farmers, communities, and schools. Please drop by the white MSU canopy at Wednesday’s market and welcome Dr. Coon to Manistique and learn about the new MSUE.

Of course while you’re at the market, don’t forget to shop for fresh local produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, and beef from our amazing farmers and vendors!