Farmers Market returns for 20th season May 1

It's the surest sign of spring – flowers and fresh vegetables, all available from local farmers and merchants at the Birmingham Farmers Market, which this year returns for it's 20th season.

The market will kick off this important milestone with an Opening Day Celebration on Sunday, May 1. There are also many other special events planned throughout the season.Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the outdoor market as they enjoy live music and shop for locally grown produce, artisan baked goods, fresh foods, plants and more.

The market is open every Sunday, May 1 through October 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is located in Public Parking Lot 6 at 660 North Old Woodward Avenue in downtown Birmingham. Every week there will be live music, a kid zone and other festivities.

Scheduled special events are May 1, opening day festivities; May 8, second Sunday, which will occur the second Sunday each month featuring a fitness activity; June 26, Super Farmer Day; August 7, 20th season celebration; September 11, Harvest Festival; and October 30, End of Season celebration.

The Birmingham Farmers Market offers Michigan-grown produce, subject to local growing patterns. Hopefully by late spring, shoppers will find leafy greens, root vegetables, herbs, early organic vegetables, strawberries, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, beans, mushrooms, green onions, sugar peas and more.

With over 35 vendors each week, the Birmingham Farmers Market welcomes back long-standing favorites, including Farm and Forest, Fusilier Family Farms, Order Up Organic, Sweetest Gourmet, Tracina's Gourmet Specialties, Uhlianuk Farms, as well as new vendors, including Freeman Meat Co., Songbird Farm and Junie Pie’s Baking Company.

All parking in Birmingham is always free on Sundays.