This year's tomato harvest is still weeks away. (OK, a couple of months.) These were at the market last September.
A perk of living in or near Northwest Detroit resumes Thursday afternoon when about 15 local growers, bakers and food producers start a four-month season of the neighborhood farmers' market.
The hours are 4-8 p.m. at the North Rosedale Park Community House (map below).
Vendors at their booth last September. (Photos by GRDC)
Kickoff activities include free youth woodworking lessons from Home Depot, free health screenings by DMC Sinai-Grace and a Detroit Community Yoga class outside from 6-7 p.m. There also will be a swap meet, plus sales by local artists and crafters.
The main attractions include booths with meats, eggs, cheese, baked goods, honey, herbs and spring produce -- all from Southeast Michigan.
The goal is "to increase the community’s access and desire for fresh, healthy foods and healthy lifestyle habits," says Chelsea Neblett of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp., host of the weekly market.
The nonprofit offers free senior citizen shuttle, cooking demonstrations and food preservation workshops.
Tom Goddeeris, its executive director, adds in a statement:
“The Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market is not just a place to buy fresh produce. It’s also a place to meet your neighbors, learn a new recipe or do a craft with your kids. It’s a place where people come to feel connected to their community.”
The market's Facebook page, with more than 1,100 fans, posts photos, event updates and heads-ups about what produce will be available.
Additionally, Wayne State University's Farmers Market will run every Wednesday, beginning today, at 5401 Cass Avenue in front of the Reuther Library, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will run through Oct. 28.
Vendors will include such growers as D-Town Farm, Brother Nature Produce, and Van Houtte Farms. Berry specialist Jim Burda will also return this year along with prepared-food vendors Avalon, Russell Street Deli, Brooklyn Street Local and Sweet Potato Sensations.
-- Alan Stamm
The Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market is outside the North Rosedale Park Community House, 18445 Scarsdale St. near Bretton Drive and Glastonbury.
