Farmers market to open for 100th season

Farmers market to open for 100th season
<strong> Courtesy Fulton Street Farmers Market </strong>

The oldest farmers market in West Michigan will celebrate 100 years when it opens next month.

The Fulton Street Farmers Market said this week it will open for its 100th season at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, with a celebratory ribbon cutting featuring Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and other local officials at the market, which is at 1145 E. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids.

The main market season will run from May 7 through Oct. 29. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and feature its usual variety of locally grown produce, baked goods and other treats, as well as artisan vendors.

This year’s opening day will celebrate the legacy of the market, its farm vendors and the community. The event will be carnival-themed, with games by Monstorium, cotton candy from Hey Sugar, popcorn by Mosby’s Popcorn and food trucks including Momma D’s and Los Jalapenos.

Throughout the main season, the market also will feature an array of community events.

“The board of directors of Fulton Street Farmers Market (has) been planning great things for this main season,” said Michele Giordano, the market’s board chair and attorney and founder at Grand Rapids-based Giordano Law.

Staff and volunteers run the market, which is a nonprofit organization. The land it sits on is a Grand Rapids city park. The market continues its operations through a partnership with the city, including the Parks and Recreation Department.

“Collaboration is at the heart of our department’s mission,” said Parks and Recreation director David Marquardt. “We’re excited to celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to continuing this unique and valuable partnership.”

More information on the market is available online, by emailing info@fultonstreetmarket.org or calling (616) 454-4118.