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DOWAGIAC – While Michigan is still under a “Stay at Home, Stay Safe Order,” the Dowagiac Farm and Artisan Market is cultivating plans to kick off its seventh season in downtown Dowagiac this June.

Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority said the state is allowing seasonal farmers markets to re-open, having deemed them a critical component of the food system. However, extra precautions in the wake of COVID-19 will be taken.

“However, operations such as the Dowagiac Farm and Artisan Market will take precautionary measures to continue to maintain the safety of consumers and its vendors,” Phillipson said. “For consumers, the market will set up a hand sanitizer station and will provide signage to guide their social distancing. By virtue of overhead canopies, vendors will also be able to adhere to social distancing between their booths.”

In addition, vendors will also be asked to adhere to the Michigan Farm Market Association COVID-19 guidelines.

“The step-by-step precautionary measures can be easily met to ensure the safety of others,” Phillipson said.

Growers and artisans can reserve their space now for the market that re-opens Wednesday, June 3, and will continue through the second Saturday of October. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Growers and artisans can register to participate in the market by contacting the DDA at (269) 782-8212 or by e-mail at Vphillipson@Dowagiac.org. Working with her is Steve Arseneau, director of the Dowagiac Area History Museum.

Phillipson said the Farm and Artisan Market will resume its location 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, she said.

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

Space is available at the market for $10, when vendors have thier own overhead canopy.  Vendors, without a canopy, can rent one from the DDA for an additional $2.