MUNISING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A sure sign of summer is the return of farmers’ markets in communities across the UP. We bring you to the Munising Farmers and Artisans market in Munising, where there is something for everyone..
There’s something special about a farmer’s market, whether it’s the opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind items like hand-painted artwork or gourmet mushrooms, the farmers market is like no other shopping experience.
“In a lot of gift shops, there’s, you know, a lot of products made in China. And when I go on vacation, I know that I look for something local, handmade. So that’s what I have, is local handmade charms,” said vendor Courtney Laakso.
“I love them, just because you never know what you’re gonna find at the farmers markets, because there are so many, especially in the you know, in the up there are so many creative people,” said vendor Dewey Horton.
For Dewey Horton, the Munising Farmers Market is a great mix of art and quality produce.
“A lot of fresh, organically grown product. And then there are some crafters, maple syrup vendors, and wood turners,” said Horton.
David Lalonde, owner of Up Gourmet Mushrooms, the largest provider of wild mushrooms in the UP, says the sense of community is unique to markets like this.
“The sense of community that you get here is amazing. You don’t really find that anywhere else. So I try to avoid those, those bigger stores, and end up in farmers markets, because I do get to meet amazing people with amazing stories,” said Lalonde.
The one-on-one interaction with customers is important to Lalonde because he’s able to inform them of the many health benefits of mushrooms.
“It’s pretty incredible stuff, and I think it’s great that people are finding that there are more natural alternatives for a lot of the things that ail them,” explained LaLonde.
Unlike a supermarket, this more intimate shopping experience has also yielded a few good friends along the way.
The Munising Farmers’ and Artisans’ market will be held each Monday, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Bayshore Park. The market will take place each week until October 13th
