Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
After a long COVID-19 winter, many are excited to get outside to enjoy the sunshine, to plant their gardens, and to have fresh and flavorful local produce with their meals. In general, people are looking forward to discovering whatever the “new normal” is when they venture out of their homes after the long winter.
A trip to the Dimondale Farmers Market is probably “just what the doctor ordered.” It offers a great way to enjoy nature, do a little retail therapy, and enjoy the vibrant Dimondale community once again. All COVID-19 protocols are in place at the event, of course. There will not be live musical entertainment or educational programs at the market until things calm down with the pandemic.
As a fun peek into what the summer will hold, a spring market will take place on Thursday, May 6. It will be open from 3 until 6 p.m. in downtown Dimondale.
Some of the vendors who will be at the spring market include Wesenberg Produce, Murray Farms, Great Harvest Bread Company, James’ Dust-ee Acres, Willow Blossom Farms, How I Met Your Bakery, Emily’s Essential Wellness, and more.
A popular theme in this market will be MOM, with Mother’s Day just around the corner on May 9. Lots of hanging baskets, perennials, and potted plants will be available, along with scented soaps and a variety of wellness items.
“There will be a few surprises, too,” market manager Denise Parisian teases.
The regular Dimondale Farmers’ Market will be back in business every Thursday starting June 3 and runs through October. Fifteen vendors have already committed to the Market. Mark your calendar for opening day on June 3 when the market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. In October, the hours drop to 3 until 6 p.m.
“Honestly, we are feeling very confident about the 2021 Dimondale Farmers’ Market because last year’s market was so very successful,” Parisian said. “We’re really excited because our new vendors are a great fit and most of last year’s vendors are coming back.”
There are still a few openings for new vendors, Parisian stated. Of particular interest are new vendors who serve prepared food; things that are not immediately available in Dimondale, so as not to compete with the local businesses.
Parisian reminds us that buying produce from a farmers market means you are getting produce at the peak of freshness and nutrition. Food items in this country often travel, on an average, 1,500 miles from farm to table, which reduces the freshness and nutritional value of the food. Another advantage of buying at a farmers’ market is that it’s more environmentally friendly, with much less packaging used in product sales.
The market is also a good reminder that when you stop and shop at a farmers’ market, you are helping to support local growers and their families. The vendors at the market are all from Michigan and most from the immediate area.
“We’re just trying to be great!” said Parisian.
The Dimondale Farmers Market happens on Thursdays, June through September 3 to 7 p.m., and 3 until 6 p.m. in October. It’s located at 136 Bridge Street, in downtown Dimondale. For more information email dimondalefarmersmarket@gmail.com or call 517- 646-0230. Visit their Facebook page at #dimondalefarmersmarket.
