RAPID RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Rapid River Farmer’s Market is up and running for another season.
Every Monday and Thursday, the market takes place at Masonville Township Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“The market runs from the second week of May through the second week of October,” said Market Manager Rick Bricker. “That gives everybody a chance to get rid of their pumpkins and all their apples, where a lot of the markets close early. The best part of this market is the setting. It’s under a roof so you have cover from rain, you’re out of the wind, and we have plenty of parking.”
This week, vendors are selling fresh vegetables, homemade apple sauces, maple syrup, epoxy resin art, woodworking, home decor and crafts, and other goods. It has become one of the most unique markets in the area, with a young magician even setting up shop to perform tricks for patrons.
“It’s really easy to become small-town famous out here when everybody around Rapid knows around here, so they’re always coming in,” said Gabrielle Quinlan, who works under the name 5 Aces Magic. “Everything here is homemade, homegrown. It’s all fresh; it’s all good.”
Quinlan and her little sister—known together as Q-8 Kids—started selling jams at the market several years ago as part of a school entrepreneurship project. She says the market has grown significantly since then, offering great opportunities for new businesses.
“It definitely started much simpler,” she said. “We’ve really branched off. I encourage people to come sell here because all of the people here are nice, and it’s a great place to be.”
According to Bricker, the market gets busier and busier as more seasonal produce becomes available throughout the summer. He says the market draws a large number of tourists each year, especially since the rise of agrotourism.
“They advertise all over the State of Michigan,” he said. “We get people that come here and camp at this area, specifically because there’s a small farmers market and we have organic and nonorganic vegetables and fruits. There’s times where people actually line up from that yellow gate out here all the way around to the playground!”
The market is open to welcoming new vendors. To inquire about selling at the Rapid River Farmers Market, call (906) 241-8910.
