Plans are being cultivated for a Farm & Artisan Market to open in downtown Dowagiac in mid-May, just as the asparagus season kicks off.

New and growing interest by Dowagiac officials and patrons in the re-instatement of a farmers market in the central business district prompted two Dowagiac entities to team up to host the new market, said Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. Working with Phillipson is Steve Arseneau, director of the Dowagiac Area History Museum.

Phillipson said the Farm & Artisan Market will be located within the downtown at Division and Railroad streets, upon the lawn of the Dowagiac Area History Museum. The location provides easy access and visibility to M-62, which is one of the major arteries coming into the city.

Farmers, backyard growers, businesses and local artisans will have the opportunity on Saturdays to sell their fruit and produce, annuals and perennials, baked goods, and other Michigan or hand-made products downtown.

The market will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seasonal operation will run from mid-May through mid-October, or essentially from asparagus season through the apple season. Phillipson said, “If growers have interest in a Friday market, rather than Saturday, or in combination with Saturday, we will certainly consider their needs.”

Dowagiac’s central business district last housed a farm market in 2007.

Vendors can rent space at the market for $10 a day. Phillipson said organizers will be appointing a Market Master, who will oversee the on-site needs of vendors and recruit new growers to the operation. Vendors who book the entire season will receive a discount when they sign up prior to April 18.

People interested in the Market Master position or renting booth space should contact the Dowagiac DDA at 269-782-8212 or by e-mail at vphillipson@Dowagiac.org.