Auburn Farmers Market is about much more than fresh produce

For five years, the Auburn Farmers Market has been bringing Michigan-grown produce and products to the Great Lakes Bay Region. The market takes place on the Farmers Market Pavilion at 200 Jaycee Drive in Auburn. The goal is to provide much more than food. Market Manager Robin Nelson says it also seeks to promote cottage industries, act as a business incubator, promote healthy eating and exercise, and unite the community.

The 2023 market is still accepting vendors. If you'd like to promote your business at the market, vendor applications are available online. Updates on vendors and events are posted on Facebook.

Q. Tell us a little about the Auburn Farmers Market. 

This is the fifth year of the market. As a season long celebration, we are charging only $5 for a vendor spot per day.

Since I came on board a few years ago, the market has grown from about 3 to 5 vendors and less than 50 customers per day to 25 plus registered vendors and over 100 customers per day – up to 300 plus. We have implemented food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC Project Fresh and Senior Market Fresh as well as Market Munchkins that gives kids ages 3 to 12 fresh veggies and fruits. 

Over the past few years, the City of Auburn and Auburn Farmers Market have focused on delivering family-friendly events and market. We want people to remember a positive experience here in Auburn and want to come back for more. It's really great to see families coming out here together to enjoy our offerings. 
Graphic courtesy of the Auburn Farmers Market
Q. The 2023 season opened on June 15. How did the first week go and what's your forecast for this season?

Even though we had rain, the opening went great! We had 16 vendors and 165 customers. The Bay County Library held its Summer Reading Program Kick off as well and it was an awesome day. Since we are only open one day a week this year and have somewhat expanded hours, we are looking forward to a successful year. We are open Thursdays from 2-6 pm and are offering a Moonlight Market each month. That's on the third Friday of the month and is open from 6 to 9 pm. The Moonlight Market features a musical guest, food, and kids activities. 

Q. What's new at the market this year? And what are the favorite parts of the market that people can't get enough of?

A. We are also doing concessions this year. At this time as we go through the licensing process, we are just offering pre-packaged foods, but afterward we will have things like hot dogs, hamburgers and tacos available at each market. The Market Munchkin Program has changed. This year instead of coupons, the kids get to choose a small sack of veggies, fruits or plants from the Market Table. We also received a grant to do some Mom, Dad and Me Cooking and Food Safety Classes this year. Parents can sign up with me at the market. 

What can people not get enough of? Auburn Corn! 

Q. What are the advantages to shopping at a farmers market vs. a supermarket?

A. Great prices, fresh produce, and supporting our local economy

Q. What's something people don't know about the market that you wish they did?

This, in my opinion, is the most family-friendly market in the area. Also, Moonlight Market is one of the most fun nights of the month. This year we are adding a Free Family Movie Night after Moonlight Market ends at 9 pm. Folks just need to being a chair or blanket.