I didn't plan on visiting the Farmers Market on Fulton Street this weekend. In fact, we were on our way to tour the F.L.O.W. Landscaping Project organized by the Women's Council of Realtors; an extraordinary community event in which 10 homes in Grand Rapids were outfitted with new landscaping.
The project was envisioned by Michelle Gordon, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty in Grand Rapids, MI. The vision of Michelle and the Women's Council of Realtors chapter of Grand Rapids, focused on beautifying the yards of some moderate to low income neighborhoods around the city courtesy of the generosity of area landscapers, donors and sponsors. In addition to the gift of Free Landscaping, participants also attended workshops to teach them how to care for their new yards!
So, it was the tour of homes which had me driving past the market and unable to resist, we decided to pop in to see what was going on. When we arrived at noon, the place was packed! We were lucky to find a parking spot. It had been a very long time since I had visited, and the market has certainly grown in popularity.
The stands had a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, some select meats, arts and crafts, spices, health and beauty products and fresh flowers. Talking to local farmers was great. On more than one occasion, I heard merchants say they were selling out of products.
The appeal of the fresh market has grown as more people become concerned about environmental issues and supporting the local economy. Did you know that the average product in your grocery store travels over 1000+ miles to get to your table? In addition, several area restaurants, including popular sites like Marie Catribs, the Green Well , GRAM Cafe and Restaurant Bloom also highlight the fact that they strive to serve locally grown produce and food items on their menus.
The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 E. Fulton Street, in Grand Rapids, MI. 49503. The Market is the oldest of it's kind in West Michigan, having started in 1922.
Permanent stands have been set up in the middle of a parking lot which allows local farmers to back their trucks in and unload their wares. Visitors to the market walk through the middle.
What I found especially delightful was the diversity of people...old, young kids and babies, moms and dads, foreigners, black & white...everyone was enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the market.
We were even serenaded by a young guitarist who set up shop just outside the display area which made an interesting experience even more enjoyable.
Fulton Street Farmers Market website...
Michelle Gordon's blog...F.L.O.W. Project Coordinator
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
We have been several times this year and always find great produce at good prices from the local farmers.
Lola - what a wonderful discovery on the way to those newly-landscaped homes. What a wonderful benefit for those familes from WCR. It is always for heartening to hear of the valuable work performed by WCR and other real estate groups...and the generosity of the various vendors who contributed, Thank you for sharing this news.
Jeff
Lola, thank you for attending the garden party and the tour! I was happy to finally meet you in person! I think we should have a cocktail party for all GR bloggers, so we can meet one another!
As for the farmers market, I love going. I do not get there as often as I would like, but when I do it is great! I love the sausage stand..so I always get one to go when I am there. I am also gluten free and there is a woman who bakes Gluten Free and sells it at the farmers market. However if you are not there early it will be all sold out!!!
Attending the Western MI Women's Council of Realtors meeting was a blessing when this was announced. I am learning new ways to help the community and get others involved.
You have an awesome team. Keep it up. Congratulations on the success.
Lola, Loved reading about the FL.O.W. project by WCR. Glad you found this wonderful bustleing farmers market. Looks like a great day and thanks for sharing.