In addition to its fresh produce, the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market can be a great weekend family activity!
The Downtown Development Authority recently received the Outstanding Event Series Award for the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market Children’s Program.
Main Street Oakland County instituted an awards program in 2008 to recognize excellence in downtown revitalization in the Four Points of Main Street. The Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market achieved the award for excellence in the Promotion category for Outstanding Event Series. This award recognizes an event series that has demonstrated creativity, built traffic and benefited downtown.
Just a few of the activities offered to engage kid’s in the market experience include, the Marketeer’s Club; educational programs, and a weekly scavenger hunt for ‘Pete the Pineapple’. The Marketeer’s Club began in 2009 and invites shoppers 12 and under to participate in market activities and receive monthly notices of all upcoming children’s programs. There are currently over 250 children on the membership list. Sheep shearing, learning about farm equipment and cooking demonstrations using farm fresh products have been some of the many educational programs presented at the market. Each Saturday, children can look for “Pete the Pineapple” hidden in one of the vendors’ displays, report the correct location to the Market Master, and win a prize!
“We are very proud to accept the award from Main Street Oakland County for our Children’s Programs at the farmers’ market,” said Nancy Voges, Marketing Coordinator for the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. “Through the support from the local community, farmers and businesses, we have been able to provide art projects, contests, educational series and entertainment.”Celebrating its 13th season, the Farmers’ Market is a frequent stop for area residents to enjoy the vibrant colors, aromas and flavors of southeast Michigan’s growing season.
Located at the corner of E. Third and Water Street, just one block east of Main Street, the market is open every Saturday through October 27, from 8 am – 1 pm.The market features only Michigan-grown (or made) products including vegetables, fruits, flowers, container gardens, gnocchi, herbs, homemade baked goods, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup, beef, chicken, eggs and organically grown products.
For more information about the market, please visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or contact the Rochester DDA office at 248/656-0060.
