As summer unfolds, each week brings new produce to the Clarkston Farmers? Market.
A wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables’many organic or naturally grown’are trucked in by local farmers early each Saturday.
Tomatoes are in’many varieties’and the corn and blueberries keep coming.
Artisan breads, fresh eggs and cheese can also be found at the market, as well as fresh flowers, honeys and syrups, soaps, fibers, linens, and various works of art’all produced by local farmers and craftspeople.
‘The market seems to be doing really well,? said Joelle Forbes of Osage Farms, who along with her husband Joe set up a colorful display of produce. ‘A lot of traffic comes through here every week.?
This is the couple’s first year at the Clarkston market.
‘We were glad to get in when we did,? Joe said. ‘We’ve heard there’s a waiting list now.?
Suzi Scott of Photo Art by Suzi said her Saturday mornings are well spent at the market, as well.
‘I get a lot of new clients here,? she said. ‘I wouldn’t have thought so, but I do.?
Last week, 1405 shoppers strolled through the market.
‘Fair trade organic coffee by the cup is now available at the Farmers? Market,? said market manager Anissa Howard, noting the coffee is also available by the 1lb. bag for a $12 donation to support Bicycles for Humanity, and can be found during the week at Rudy’s Market, Essence on Main, Kinetic Systems Bicycles, and Harvest Time in Oxford.
‘Cups of coffee are by donation, we suggest $2, and help fund the container of bicycles that’s going to Ghana. We have nearly 200 bikes, now; we’re half way there,? she said.
As it celebrates its fifth season, Howard said, the market is partnering with Bicycles for Humanity, a grassroots humanitarian organization.
During the 16-week event, market organizers are asking for donations of ‘disused? bicycles’they’re hoping to collect 430’that will be sent this fall to an agricultural village in Africa.
‘We work on prepping the bicycles during and after the Farmers? Market on Saturdays, and invite anyone who wants to help,? Howard said, noting she’s also hoping to match each donation with $21 to meet the shipping costs. ?’It’s fairly easy, and we have all the tools.?
If volunteering is not feasible, she said, ‘simply coming to the market and having a cup of coffee is helping.?
To help raise funds, organizers are also in the process of designing a commemorative artistic piece using an actual bicycle wheel.
For a donation of $200 or more, a family or business name will be engraved as a sponsor.
‘We are consulting with a stained glass artist who is helping us with the design,? Howard said. ‘We will be looking for a place in Clarkston to display this once our container of bicycles has shipped. ‘There are 32 spokes available. ‘People who donate become ‘A Spoke in the Wheel.??
The market, which opened June 20 and runs through Oct. 10, is open Saturdays 8 a.m. until noon. For more information, call 248-821-4769 or visit www.clarkston farmersmarket.org.
See more page 8B for more photos.