Anna Barnes
The Muskegon Farmers Market held their first Food Truck Rally of the summer and the crowds were large.MUSKEGON, Mich. — From a local market that sold hay and wood to a social place where the community can bond, the Muskegon Farmers Market has become more than just a place for produce.
Between the actual farmers market, Power of Produce programs, flea market, live entertainment and even food truck events, the schedule is packed with things to do for those visiting downtown Muskegon.
“[The market] has a huge impact on the community because it sits in the middle of a food desert,” said Lisa Potter, the market director. “Whether it’s through the EBT food cards or the Senior Power of Produce that we run here, the Kids’ Power of Produce, all these things help to add the fresh fruits and veggies or make it a little bit easier.”
The market’s Power of Produce programs gift children and seniors in the community with free tokens that can be spent at the market every week. This allows children and seniors, those between 3 and 13 years old and those over 60 years old, to have some extra money for locally grown produce. The market also matches dollars in EBT cash up to $10 per day on market days.
While the market is open all year, in the summer it has food truck days that local food trucks can attend. On July 19, it had its first “Food Truck Rally” of the summer with over 10 food trucks in attendance.
“I was invited by the Muskegon Downtown Committee,” said Brandon Archer, a vendor of the Ice Box Brand Ice Cream Bars truck. “This is my third year, probably about 11th time here.”
Archer said his attendance helps the business grow and also opens up opportunities for other business with companies who see his truck there.
Holly Fredericksen, an event coordinator for the City of Muskegon, said she believes the events at the Muskegon Farmers Market evolved into more than marketing over time.
“I think originally it was to draw people in, but now it’s kind of just known and everyone wants this to be the central place where we hold these quick summer events that get people downtown in the middle of the week,” said Fredericksen.
Fredericksen said the events can help the week feel less monotonous by having events on weekdays instead of waiting for the weekend to go downtown.
“It brings people together, people who enjoy similar food, similar music, just in the middle of the week,” said Fredericksen.
Live music and entertainment is expected every Saturday by local performers and can include anything from bands to jugglers. The farmers market is open outside from May to November on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Flea Market is open Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Muskegon Farmers Market started off as a hay and wood market in the 1800s and evolved into a full farmers market on Western Avenue in 2014. The market has continued to grow and expand its influence in Muskegon.
As the official Muskegon Farmers Market website says, “it’s more than a market, it’s an experience!”