COLDWATER, MI — The Coldwater Farmers Market kicked off its 2026 season with a strong turnout on Saturday, June 27.
Vendors filled most of the space in the northwest corner of Four Corners Park, and shoppers came out in large numbers to look and buy.
Market manager Kim Kohl said the opening weekend surpassed expectations.
“It’s fantastic,” Kohl said. “Our entire market is full — as you can see, there’s a vendor everywhere.
Saturday marked the start of the market’s 12th season. It will continue each week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 12.
Opening day featured 19 vendors, nearly reaching full capacity.
To attract crowds and encourage spending, the market board introduced a new promotion for opening day. Families attending the market received $5 tokens to spend with vendors.
“We gave $5 tokens to each family that came to the market,” Kohl said. “They’ve been spending them with our vendors.”
Many vendors returned for another year. “We just have a lot of old favorites,” she said. “We have a lot of seasonal vendors that keep coming back every year.”
Shoppers found a variety of goods, but Kohl noted that early-season produce remains limited due to Michigan’s growing cycle.
The market intentionally starts later in the summer to ensure products are locally grown.
“We want to make sure the produce sold here is grown in Michigan by our vendors,” Koh, said.
Popular items like tomatoes and sweet corn are not yet widely available, but Kohl said that will change in the coming weeks. Amish vendors and some locals did have early produce. The first sweet corn is expected around mid-July.
The market will remain open every weekend, including this Saturday, the Fourth of July.
With a full vendor lineup, steady attendance, and strong community engagement, Kohl said,“I’m very pleased.”
The Coldwater Farmers Market began in 2015 as a community-driven effort to bring fresh, local food to downtown Coldwater and quickly became a staple summer event.
Today, the market is a nonprofit (501(c)(3)), allowing it to receive donations and community support while promoting local agriculture, healthy food access, and community connection.
The market operates every Saturday during the summer and is managed by a board, along with Kohl.
The Farmer’s Market is funded through a mix of local business sponsorships, small public contributions, and community donations.
Vendors are carefully selected to ensure goods — especially produce — are locally grown or made, reinforcing the market’s support for regional farmers and artisans.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater Farmers Market returns with big crowds
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
