Farmers Market to open May 3, with changes

The Birmingham Farmers Market will open its 18th season on Sunday, May 3, as planned but with several changes in order to keep farmers, shoppers and staff safe, including a drive-through market and adjusted hours of 9 a.m. to noon. “We’re so pleased to bring back the Birmingham Farmers Market during uncertain times,” said Ingrid Tighe, Birmingham Shopping District. Executive Director. “We have the following three goals in mind as we kick off this season: offer a needed service to the community, keep local farmers in business, and keep our residents, farmers and staff safe.” The Birmingham Farmers Market will continue to be located in Birmingham's public parking lot 6 at 660 N. Old Woodward, as it has been since its inception. The drive-through market will feature only farmers and vendors who grow their own food products. Birmingham Farmers Market shoppers can expect to find Michigan-grown produce subject to Michigan growing patterns, plus fresh locally-raised shrimp, eggs and meat from vendors such as Beaverland Farms; East River Organic Farm; Farm & Forest LLC, Fusilier Family Farms; Motor City Sea Farm LLC; The Feminine Farmer; Uhlianuk Farms and Greenhouse; and more. The market will be closed to pedestrians and open to vehicles only. Cars will travel north and enter the market off N. Old Woodward. Display tables will be set up at the entrance to show packages offered at each station throughout the market. Cars will then drive around the perimeter of the market to make their purchase. Shoppers will remain in their vehicles and place exact cash into a basket. Shoppers are encouraged to bring small bills for purchasing mainly $10 or $20 packages; change will not be provided. Items will be placed into the trunk of vehicles. By late spring, shoppers will find home-grown rhubarb, parsnips, herbs, early organic vegetables, strawberries, garden plants, zucchini, cucumbers, hot-house tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, basil, beans, mushrooms, turnips, kale, lettuce, green onions, sugar peas, radishes and spinach. Shoppers can access the most up-to-date information about the market by “liking” the Birmingham Shopping District Facebook page, following on Twitter and Instagram @BhamShopping, or visiting AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket.