Vendors invited to see what the plan will be
By Barb Pert Templeton
A new farmers market will be coming to Marine City in July and it will follow the tradition of past markets with vendors setting up at the former Lions Hall, now the Guy Community Center.
City Clerk Jason Bell and Deputy Clerk Carol Brown are organizing the re-launch of the market and are excited to get input from the public on the project.
In fact, they will host a meeting for vendors on Tuesday May 20th at 5pm at the Guy Community Center located at 545 Ward Street.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Bell to pose some questions about plans for the new market.
Blue Water Healthy Living: The post about the vendor meeting states that A Food Systems Educator from Michigan State University Extension’ will be at the meeting- why is this necessary?
The former Marine City Lions Hall was sold to the city late last year and is now known as the Guy Community Center.
Marine City Clerk Jason Bell: Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is an organization that provides services and assistance with multiple different programs throughout the state. They have different departments and the Food Systems Educator is assisting us with operating the Farmers Market as they have knowledge in that area, along with other things.
BWHL: Is this normal protocol for a local Farmers Market?
Bell: Since myself and Deputy Clerk Carol Brown have never coordinated a Farmers Market before, we used the “phone a friend option” and they were able to steer us in the right direction and provide some advice. Not a normal protocol, but we were jumping into unknown waters and wanted to make sure we were doing the right things and networking with the right people.
BWHL: The post also says ‘will talk about accepting various food assistance programs’, how might that work?
Bell: Kelly McClelland from MSUE will be talking to vendors about accepting EBT (electronic benefit transfer) and other food assistance programs and will help them get set up to take them as individual vendors. I believe this is a good practice to offer those who need the assistance with fresh, local produce. In my research those assistance programs are becoming more commonplace in local farmers markets.
BWHL: Will this be a weekly outdoor event? Do you already have the days and hours set?
Bell: This is a weekly event on Thursdays from 9am – 2pm, starting July 10th and running through October 2nd. We might offer a few “midnight markets” as well throughout the season. We went into this with an open mind and keeping the market from previous years but have told vendors if it does not work. we are open to changing days and hours. If there is one thing we are
hearing from residents and other local communities is that they would like a market in the later afternoon/evening for those who work. We’re listening and coming up with other ideas as well.
BWHL: How many vendors are you anticipating for the markets debut?
Bell: As of right now we have seven applications for the farmers market and are hoping to get more before the market starts.
BWHL: What type of vendors will you be accepting for the market to start? Just food or?
Bell: We are looking for food and locally grown or made products. This will include honey, breads, jams/jellies, soaps, local handmade crafts, etc.
BWHL: Will the vendor commitment be just week to week or a summer long commitment?
Bell: We have weekly or seasonal options for the vendors. So, whatever works for them we will accept. If they want to try it for a week before making the season commitment, we are alright with that as well.
BWHL: Will the market only allow one vendor per item – for example one person selling corn and no others or a mix?
Bell: I think we will leave that open for now just to see what kind of interest we get. We also don’t want to saturate the market with all the same vendors.
BWHL: Might there be spots for non-profits with non-food items for sale – like tickets to an upcoming event or?
Bell: This would be looked at on a case-by-case basis. I think with the farmers market being at our NEW community center we want to work with our community partners in any way we can so that is an option to invite them.
BWHL: Has the city hosted a Farmers Market in the past or was there one operated by a community member or group?
Bell: The farmers market in previous years was hosted by both the Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce and most recently the Marine City Lions Club, all at the same location (former Lions Club). We wanted to make sure we carried on that same tradition and offered a market as every community around us is doing it, we didn’t want to be the odd one out.
