Canton Farmers Market Opening Day Draws 1,000 People

The Canton Farmers Market kicked off its new season Sunday with a record-breaking attendance of 1,000 people, according to Market Manager Tina Lloyd.

Attendance was up by 450 people from last year's opening day, though last year's market kicked off a week earlier and fell on a rainy day, Lloyd said.

"Fresh local produce was highly sought out and went fast which was disappointing to some folks that showed up after 10:30 a.m.," Lloyd said. "Unfortunately one of our farmers, Hand Sown Farm, was set back a few weeks with their spring harvesting schedule because of the cold temperatures that hit us a few weeks ago, which meant they didn't make it for Opening Day. But will be back this Sunday. That, along with the fact that our Market only sells Michigan-grown produce that comes in slowly and the record breaking crowds, the produce sold out quickly."

The Canton Farmers Market features Michigan-grown produce, food such as honey, farm eggs, jam, Great Lakes fish, as well as arts and crafts. 

New vendors this year include Hall’s Herb Garden, Canton; Michigan Garlic, Pinckney; Lula Bre’s Sweet Eats, Garden City; Malone Designs, Canton; onyo net photo studios, Canton; and Woolsey’s Wonders, Hartland. 

“The Canton Farmers Market provides the community the opportunity to support Michigan farmers and vendors by buying fresh produce and locally produced goods,” Lloyd said in a news release. “Fresh produce tastes better and has more nutritional value than produce that has to go through a long distribution process across many states after it has been picked. Not only are you purchasing better tasting produce packed with nutrients, at the same time, you are supporting our economy right here in Michigan.”

The market has activities planned for the season, such as “Ask The Master Gardener” for seasonal gardening information each week, Cooking at the Market workshops and Bartlett-Travis House tours will be offered on select weeks, as well as entertainment on the Bartlett-Travis porch and kids activities. Market-goers can also check out the historic Canton farming displays in the Historical Society’s Pole Barn to get a glimpse of Canton’s farming past.

The Canton Farmers Market will run every Sunday, rain or shine, through Oct. 20, with the exception of July 7. The market is held at Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge. No admission is required to enter market grounds.

For more information on the Canton Farmers Market, like them on Facebook.