Community Corner

UPDATED: Dearborn Farmer's Market Expands, Changes Hours

The market opens May 31 at the Bryant Library on Michigan Avenue.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the market's closing date of Oct. 18, 2013.

April is here, and the official countdown to opening day of the Dearborn Farmers and Artisans Market is fast approaching.

The market will open for the season on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning May 31 behind the Bryant Library, 22100 Michigan Ave.

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"We're looking forward to another successful market season," manager Millie Judd said. "We have a lot of returning vendors this year that are popular favorites with our customers. We also have some new vendors and a few surprises."

The list of vendors has not been finalized yet, however customers can expect to find Michigan-produced farm products and crafts, including fresh flowers, vegetables and produce, baked goods, cheeses, meats, jewelry and crafts at the weekly market, according to Judd.

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Judd, who took over the market from founder Joan Reed after the 2012 season, said she is hoping to attract customers through a combination of adding more products, food, and family-friendly events.

"The market has a very good base of core customers but we want to expand our reach by offering more options," she said. "We've been tossing around the possibility of offering cooking demonstrations and food contests."

In addition, the market's popular music series featuring local artists will return, as well as a kids' play area. Judd said she is also working with food truck vendors to expand offerings for the lunchtime crowds.

Another new change this year is the market's hours. The market will open later in the day, beginning at 9 a.m., and stay open until 3 p.m. Previously the market closed at 1 p.m., which was a deterrent for lunch crowds, Judd said.

"The decision to change our hours was due primarily from public outcry," she said. "Some customers like to come and enjoy their lunch at the market, but that wasn't conducive with it closing at 1 p.m."

The market will also be open in the evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 18, July 16, and Aug. 20.

Judd said she is currently seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of the market.

"We have jobs for adults, to teenagers looking for community service hours," she said. "There are plenty of opportunities to help out."

To sign up to volunteer, email milliejudd@dearbornareachamber.com.

The market will close for the season on Oct. 18. Applications for vendors will be accepted through April 30.

For updates on the market's vendors, visit http://www.dearbornfarmersartisansmarket.com/, or visit the Dearborn Farmers & Artisan's Market on Facebook.


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