New and growing interest by patrons in the reinstatement of a farmers market in the central business district prompted Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to again offer farmers, backyard growers, businesses and other vendors the opportunity on Saturdays to sell their fruit and produce, annuals and perennials, baked goods and other Michigan or hand-made products downtown.

“If area growers and other vendors express the same level of interest patrons have voiced, who would like to see the market re-open this summer, we may also offer a Friday market, as well,” said Vickie Phillipson, program director of the DDA and Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

“Based upon the consensus of growers, the market will initially be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  If growers have interest in a Friday market, rather than Saturday, or in combination with Saturday, we will also accommodate their desire for added exposure.”

“We are also offering vendors what is likely to be viewed as the most visible and high-traffic site that has ever been made available to them,” Phillipson said.

Organizers are looking to situate the market within the city parking lot at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Division Street along M-51 and M-62. Phillipson said Dowagiac’s central business district last housed a farm market in 2007, just prior to the first wave of heightened gas prices.

“That year the market was held in conjunction with our outdoor entertainment series, held on Thursday evenings at Beckwith Park. With a majority of our vendors being from outlying areas, the following year when gas prices began climbing, vendors who had been commuting 30 to 45 minutes to attend the market simply fizzled out. While we find ourselves dealing with another wave of skyrocketing gas prices, this time it’s the consumer who has been in the forefront.”