Fresh produce, local art, and activities for families are just a few of the attractions coming to the Huss Project Farmer’s Market this summer at 1008 8th Street in Three Rivers. The market aims to build “an inclusive and flourishing marketplace that connects neighbors with local growers, producers, and artisans to contribute to a sustainable local food system for all in our city,” as stated on the Huss Project Farmer’s Market webpage.
For the third year in a row, the farmer’s market will take place every Saturday under the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through September. A selection of fresh, local produce will be available from the Huss Project Farm as well as other farms in the area. Vendors who grow their own produce are encouraged to apply to participate, with the option either to drop off produce for Huss Project staff to sell, or to staff their own booth. Vendors selling homemade products such as baked goods or canned goods under Cottage Food Law are welcome to apply and must be present at each market.
Margaret Wenger, who co-manages the market with Rob Vander-Giessen Reitsma, said, “We’re looking forward to another season of bringing the community together around local food and handcrafted items. We’re excited to add some new elements to our market this year including an art market and live music on the second Saturdays of each month and a new and improved play area on our farm for children and families.”
Second Saturdays will feature art sales from local artists and live music. Artists and creators who create their own artwork and craftwork are invited to apply to sell their creations during the markets on the second Saturday of each month.
The children’s area will be open again during the market for “walks on the farm and in the forest, art, gardening, storytelling,” and other activities in the enlarged and enhanced space for families. Several visits from musical guests are planned for Saturdays throughout the season.
In an effort to further support food accessibility in the Three Rivers area, the Huss Project is continuing to host the Fresh Food Initiative, a free, monthly distribution of boxes of fresh and shelf-stable foods to households, in partnership with the South Michigan Food Bank. These distributions will take place on the third Saturday of each month in the Huss Project parking lot.
Other elements are still taking shape as the planning continues; details can be found at www.hussproject.com/market. Vendors and artists interested in selling at the market can find market policies and apply at www.hussproject.com/market/policies.
Deborah Haak-Frost is the Caretaker for Community Engagement at GilChrist Retreat Center in Three Rivers, and volunteers with *culture is not optional, a Three Rivers-based community development organization.
