Farmers’ Market Seeking Vendors
By Renee Penny, Farmers’ Market Host
With the first official day of spring right around the corner, it means that Kalkaska Farmers Market activities will be ramping up very soon. The first official day of the season will be May 2nd, 2023 in the Pavilion Downtown Kalkaska at Railroad Square.
Official Market Administrators, The Kalkaska Conservation District, would like to invite all interested vendors to apply for the 2023 season. So far 15 vendor applications have been received.
“I am thrilled that our long-time vendors like Linda Walters, Flynn Orchards, Lee Family Farm, and Danu Hof will be joining us again for another season! Each of them has such unique products from their farms. And the quality is always top notch.” says Market Manager, Renee Penny.
We will also have newer vendors returning to market such as Lotus Farm, De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery, Hangry Hens Farm, and others.
Penny says the rules for joining our Market as a vendor are simple, “products must be homegrown or handmade from Kalkaska County or within our Northern Michigan region. There is an effort to ensure that there are not too many duplicates of products and items. For example, we all may love baked goodies and handmade soaps but we will not accept 4 of each. It would overwhelm our small Market atmosphere.”
If you own and operate a farm, homestead, or artisans business, sign up today. The full vendor packet of policies and the application can be found online at: www.kalkaskaconservation.org/farmers-market.
In addition to enrolling vendors the Kalkaska Farmers' Market is beginning to pencil in summer market activities to fill the calendar for the summer season that will run through the end of September.
The Market also participates in various food assistance programs such as WIC Project Fresh program, Senior Market FRESH program coupons, and SNAP/eb-t cards. To learn more about food assistance programs please visit the corresponding agency website, or look at a quick reference guide of what eligible products are at: https://bit.ly/3JSDa7O
For more information on the farmers market, contact Renee Penny at (231) 258-3307 or renee.penny@macd.org. More information can be found at https://kalkaskaconservation.org/farmers-market or on Facebook @kalkaskafarmmarket.