ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, a Delta County farmers market celebrated a century of bringing the community together.
Escanaba’s City Council officially established the Escanaba Farmers Market with an ordinance in 1924. The market was located on 10th Street until 2017, when it moved to its current location on Ludington Street.
Some traditions, like the ordinance’s requirement that the market master ring a bell to signal the start and end of the market, have gone by the wayside over time. However, the Farmers Market’s dedication to providing a place for local vendors to share their goods with the community is still going strong 100 years later.
In recognition of that milestone, Wednesday’s market also served as a celebration. Escanaba DDA Board members addressed guests and told stories about the market’s history. Mayor Mark Ammel read a proclamation declaring August 7 Escanaba Farmers Market Day, and the Escanaba City Band—which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary—performed for vendors and patrons.
According to Judy Schroeder, Market Manager since 2007, the Escanaba Farmers Market is a valuable asset to the area.
“Farmers markets are the up-and-coming thing,” she said. “Two years ago, there were only 19 markets in the state of Michigan; there are now 300. It’s a chance for our local farmers to sell their vegetables two days a week—Wednesday and Saturday—and we’re quite busy right now.”
The celebration also included cake, prize drawings, and children’s activities. Escanaba Farmers Market Day also coincides with National Farmers Market Week, which continues through Saturday.
The Wednesday market runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., while the Saturday market runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Escanaba Marketplace is located at 1501 Ludington Street, and Farmers Markets are held from June through October.
Follow the Escanaba Farmers Market on Facebook to see what’s available at the market.
