MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new season has officially begun for the Manistique Farmer and Artisan Market.
Every Wednesday from May 27 to October 28, vendors will line Oak Street between Lake Effect Community Arts and Triangle Park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Marketgoers will find an assortment of fresh produce, baked goods, handmade gifts, artwork, and other locally-sourced items.
For the market’s opening day, a large crowd eagerly made its way from booth to booth.
“It’s a farmers market, but I also see it as a community event,” said Eric Meftah, one of the market managers. “People see their friends and family after a long winter, and you can get your groceries at the same time. The more we support these guys, the more they have a reason to keep doing that hard work that we know that farmers do.”
Andrea Kalnbach of Ensign-based Furlong Creek Farm participated in the market for several years, selling pastured meat and poultry, pastured eggs, seasonal vegetables, artisan breads, and sourdough goodies. She says the Farmer and Artisan Market is a great opportunity to reach new customers.
“We’ve been dairy farming our whole life, and this is such a fantastic location,” said Kalnbach. “People show up, and they’re all about supporting their local farmer. We love coming to this market.”
A primary objective of the market is promoting food security. Several vendors are taking part in the Food as Medicine program, in collaboration with Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and supported by UPCAP. Each week, those enrolled in the program receive $15 vouchers for use at participating markets.
The market is also one of only seven in the state accepted into MDARD’s 2026 Farmers to Markets Program.
“This focuses on young farmer, beginning farmer retainment,” explained market manager Emily Navarra-Meftah. “It gives us an opportunity to support them financially. Then, we’re able to purchase fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and distribute that out to local food pantries. We’re pretty excited about the launch of that this year.”
Follow the Manistique Farmer and Artisan Market Facebook page for updates throughout the season. To learn more about the Food as Medicine program, click here.
