Birmingham

Birmingham Farmers Market rolls into town May 2-Oct. 24

By Mary Beth Almond
C & G Staff Writer

BIRMINGHAM — Kicking off May 2, a month earlier than last year, the Birmingham Farmers Market will once again bring colorful flowers, fresh produce and a variety of handmade goods to the city for its eighth year.

The market is a volunteer effort that was started by Birmingham residents Julie Plotnik and Stephanie Freedman after they visited a market in California.

New this year, Freedman said, shoppers can head to the market a month early to pick up flower arrangements, hanging baskets, flats and early produce just in time for Mother’s Day.

“We did do a survey at the market because customers and farmers wanted to extend it to a sixth month season, so we got permission to do that. We’re looking forward to starting before people take off for the summer and getting more families to attend,” said Freedman, who is also chair of the Farmers Market Committee.

The outdoor market, which runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday May 2 through Oct. 24, is held in public Parking Lot 6, on the east side of North Old Woodward, north of Harmon Street, in downtown Birmingham.

The market features more than 40 booths boasting a wide variety of locally and regionally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers and garden plants, as well as specialty products such as baked goods, and handmade soaps and soy candles.

Market Master Richard “Cousin Don” Hobson’s family has been involved in farmers markets for many generations and has been selling organic produce from Hickory Hill — the family farm in Clifford — since 1888.

Hobson said shoppers can expect to find fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, lettuce, green onions, sugar peas, radishes, spinach, turnips, rhubarb and strawberries, plus hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers and others from various venders at the market in late spring.

“We will have over 200 kinds of fruits and vegetables, and they are all made in Michigan. Know your farmer, know your food,” Hobson said.

Market-goers can also enjoy freshly prepared food, listen to live entertainment, and participate in children’s crafts and activities — which change each week.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at malmond@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1060.