By Staff
It's fried green tomato time.
The local farm markets are bursting with colorful and healthy food for us – all grown nearby.
Buying our produce locally saves energy and money and the food is better tasting being fresh picked.
The farm markets also offer our local artists and craftsmen and women to have an outlet to sell their wares.
Our Governor Jennifer Granholm has even declared this week of Aug. 6, to be "Farmers' Market Week" here in the state of Michigan. The celebration coincides with National Farmers Market Week as proclaimed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns.
"I encourage the people of the United States to celebrate the benefits of farmers markets and the bountiful production of our Nation's farmers with appropriate observances and activities," Johanns stated.
Purchasing local grown fruits and vegetables supports our Michigan economy along with improving the health of its citizens.
Dowagiac's market is by the train depot on Thursdays from 5 to 8:30 p.m., before the evening concert.
In Cassopolis, the Open Air Market is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m in the beautiful setting along Stone Lake.
The Niles French market is by Riverfront Park and is open each Thursday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To celebrate Farmers' Market Week, the Buchanan Farmers' Market will have live music. The market is located one block south of Front Street, behind the District Library and is open 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
If you haven't stopped in at a farm market yet this year, this would be a good time to do so.