The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is excited to host the second in a series of three events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Farmers Markets at the Capitol on the East Lawn of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing. The next event will kick off on Thursday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the last market date taking place on Thursday, September 24.
The July 30 Farmers Market at the Capitol was celebrated with record-breaking attendance, more than 8,000 shoppers enjoyed the wide variety of products for sale. Vendors experienced high traffic volume throughout the day, keeping the atmosphere upbeat and busy. Shoppers enjoyed cooking demonstrations, entertainment from CATA Acts of Culture, freshly prepared lunch from one of the many food trucks, and sampled an array of items vendors had prepared.
“We were excited to set record-breaking attendance at our July market this year, which was the first in a series of three 10th anniversary celebrations of Farmers Markets at the Capitol,” said Dru Montri, MIFMA Executive Director. “ In the past we’ve observed a trend where the July market builds momentum and we see more foot traffic at the second and third markets, we anticipate there will be a great turnout for the August and September events and want to thank shoppers for their support!”
At the August 27 market, shoppers can enjoy goods from more than 70 vendors from across the state selling Michigan-grown and produced products ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers, meat, cheese, baked goods, prepared foods and much more. CATA Acts of Culture entertainment will take place from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. with a performance by the Big Boss Blue Band. In addition, shoppers can learn to prepare their favorite fresh, seasonal produce with cooking demonstrations provided by Michigan State University (MSU) Corporate Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. near the east steps of the Capitol Building.
The markets accept Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH and Market FRESH, ensuring that all Michigan residents have access to the fresh, local fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods that the vendors have to offer.
The markets are hosted by MIFMA in partnership with Michigan Food and Farming Systems and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Sponsors for the August event include: CATA Clean Commute Options, Lansing City Pulse, Lansing City Pulse, Sparrow Health Systems, Mousetrap Mobile, W.K. Kellogg Chair in Agricultural food, and Community Ethics – Paul B. Thompson, Michigan Fitness Foundation, MSU Federal Credit Union, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Farm Bureau, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Advanced Insurance Markets Ltd., MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, Capitol Area Recycling and Trash, and Lansing Parks and Recreation.