Consumers will soon have the opportunity to purchase produce directly from area growers, as the new Dowagiac Farm & Artisan Market opens Wednesday, May 28, in downtown Dowagiac.

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 her 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.

While the market will not be opening until after the Memorial Day Weekend, signage is being installed this week in anticipation of its May 28th season opener.

Farmers, backyard growers, businesses and local artisans will have the opportunity on Wednesdays and 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 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. The seasonal operation will run from May 28 through mid-October, or essentially from asparagus season through the apple season. Dowagiac’s central business district last housed a farm market in 2007.

“As in-season produce becomes available, such growers as Sprague Farms of Dowagiac, Eckler’s Produce & Greenhouse of Niles and Dussel’s Farm Market of Cassopolis will be on site with us,” Phillipson said.

In addition to in-season fruit and vegetables, the street market will also feature vendors selling: jam and jelly; sweet and yeast breads; cupcakes, cookies and specialty coffee; barbecued meats; potted perennials and annuals; fresh and dried herbs; artisan soaps and candles; and hand-made wood products such as bird feeders, bird houses and wheel barrels. Artisan jewelry and wheel-thrown pottery will also be for sale.

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. 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.