Final Winter Farmers Market Hints at What's to Come

Canton's third and final Winter Farmers Market of the year turned out to be yet another record-setting event on Sunday.

"It was fantastic," said Tina Lloyd, farmer's market manager for Canton Leisure Services. "It was another record setting event, even better than our February one." 

The market in February drew 550 people, the largest crowd it has seen, and Lloyd estimated that the number from Sunday's market surpassed that total.

She attributed the success in large part to the warm weather and the fact that one of thier newest vendors -- Cookie Crumbs -- was featured on Sunday morning's Fox 2 television newscast.

"I loved it," said Cookie Crumbs owner Karen Grawe, of her first appearance at the farmer's market. "I can't wait to see the summer markets. It's a really nice market. I really like the vibe, and everyone is so nice."

Among the vendors at the market were numerous Canton-based companies, including Day Dream Cafe, the hosting Boyer's Farm and Jam by Hand, a company that specializes in hand-made jams and jellies.

I will have all of my top sellers ready," said owner Christine Laming, of the upcoming summer markets, which will be held every Sunday May 15 through the last weekend of October.

"I will make sure we have plenty of our most popular jams at all of them," she said, referring to her core of fan favorites, including the carrot cake, triple berry, strawberry, lemon and poppy seed as well as raspberry jalapeno jams.

Regular market participant Sansonetti Sauces was also on hand. The Holly, MI-based company makes a variety of flavored sauces, salsas and mustards.

"Today was really good," said Kathy Sansonetti. "It was one of my best days. There was just a constant flow of people, many of which were repeat customers. So, it was really nice."

Diane Wyss and Linda Arms, co-owners Royal Oak-based Nicky's Family Ricipes said that farmers markets are a great way to promote local businesses, something they strive to achieve.

"We really encourage Michigan-made products," said Wyss, pointing out that all the package labels promote buying local. "Michigan-made foods are the best and we really encourage people to buy from farmers."