Every Wednesday, squash-colored tents spring up outside Grand Valley State University’s Recreation Center to form the GVSU Farmers Market, which kicked off this season on June 6.

After the last few weeks of sweltering heat, the Farmers Market has been able to provide a little shade, fresh, local goods and occasionally live music. From food to flowers, the market provides not only local residents, but GVSU students with fresh, inexpensive, local homegrown products until the close of the season on Sept. 26.

“It’s not the big farms here,” said Inge Brummans, who grows and sells dahlias. “(There is) variety. That’s what I like best about the Grand Valley State Farmers’ Market … everything from dog treats to snacks for people.”

The Farmers Market also features stands that cater to not only the human clientele, but also to their canines.

“Dogs respond differently to all-natural foods with no preservatives than something from a big name corporation,” said Todd Bronson, owner of Dog Nip Bones.

Most of the vendors at the market specialize in garden-fresh produce or flowers, but more than a handful have developed their own goods and recipes that help their business to stand out.

Pre-made “value-added” products such as salsas and jams are what customers are really looking for because of a “less fuss” factor, said Ruth Smiley, owner of Frozen Creek Florals.

She, and many others, may be getting up as early as 3 a.m. to pack their cars with Michigan-made products.
The GVSU Farmers market will continue to set up camp in Lot F on the Allendale Campus every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until it closes on Sept. 26.

Visit www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness/farmer-s-market-88.htm to see the market’s weekly produce schedule and nutritional information.

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