Ortonville- Get ready for the second year of Beets, Beats, & Eats? Market Manager Pam Belding says a great one is planned.
‘I am excited and enthusiastic and just tickled pink,? says Belding. ‘I love my job. I can’t imagine wanting to do anything else, I’m having a blast.?
The weekly event from 6-9 p.m. Fridays, July 13-Sept. 28 in Crossman Park features local artisans, musicians, area-grown fresh produce, and a $5 per person home-cooked meal.
Vendors for this year’s Beets, Beats, & Eats include: Greg and Tina Lawrence from Lawrence Farms in Millington, with fresh, organic vegetables including broccoli, radishes, and a variety of tomatoes; Ortonville residents Charles and Karen Craciun of Aunt Karen’s Cookies, with pecan pies and a large variety of freshly baked cookies; Brandon resident Steve Koslowski, who paints tropical fish on canvas, plungers, hammer handles, and other unique items; Barb Kelley of Ortonville, who makes fresh flower bouquets and sells potted houseplants and herbs that include basil, rosemary and thyme; Tina Berryer, who creates homemade soaps, lotions and lip balms; 9-year-old Tyler Baker, metal sculpture artist; potter Carol Negendank; and Belding herself, who creates burlap art.
The Ortonville United Methodist Church will provide, for $5 per person, a different meal every week during Beets, Beats & Eats, beginning with baked chicken, macaroni salad, and chocolate mousse on July 13. Lemonade or coffee is included with the price. For $1 more, pop will be provided.
Friendly Folk Jammin? Friday musicians will supply entertainment, and anyone with a musical instrument is invited to join in the festivities in the park.
BB&E organizers have invited local performers from the Renaissance Festival to come to BB&E on July 20 and 27, dressed in character and ready to practice. Also on the 20th and 27th, Belding will offer at her booth a free craft, with kids making face masks and magical wands.
Still in the works is an art contest and a ‘show me? night, which could include residents showing various talents, but not competitively.
Vendor space is still available, an 8×8 booth is $10 per week and a week’s notice is needed. A free 8×8 space is available weekly to a registered non-profit organization. Details: (248) 232-2929.