Yes, I do realize that I am in Michigan, and despite the spring-like weather we’ve had over the past few days, I know we’re about to get blasted with up to 11 inches of snow, but… Spring is coming! And with it comes the start of our farmers market season!
The Bank Street Kalamazoo Farmers Market is the largest, most vibrant market we participate in. It has an upbeat, festival feel to it, fresh produce, food trucks, unique handmade gifts, and live music. Saturday brings crowds of up to 8,000 people, or so I have been told, so come early – the market is open from 7am – 2pm – but it really clears out after 1pm. It’s a wonderful start to your weekend.
My favorite treat is a package of Habanero Caramels made by Cherri’s Chocol’Art. They’re salty, sweet, and spicy. I’m not usually a caramel fan, nor a fan of spicy foods, but these are absolutely amazing. One of my customers so very kindly gave me a sample one Saturday morning last year, and eating them has turned into my weekly habit and reward for waking at 4:45am to make it to the market on time!
We’ve participated in the Allegan Farmers Market since 2013 (wow – this is our 4th season!) and are excited for the growth it has experienced. The Allegan Farmers Market is a smaller market open on Thursdays from 8am – 2pm in Allegan on M-222. Last year they added an on-site market manager, and vendors can now accept SNAP tokens, Double Up Food Bucks tokens, WIC Project Fresh coupons, or Senior Market Fresh coupons. New for 2016 is a USDA grant that will give free rides to the market!
Both the Kalamazoo and Allegan markets open in the first week of May – we can’t wait to see you there! But in the meantime, you can find us at Pure Goat Soapworks!
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