From staff reports
REGION – Area farmers markets will once again provide fresh produce and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors when markets open for the season in May and June.
In Benzie County, the Elberta Community Farmers Market will be open Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon, from May 25 through Oct. 12 at Dudley Penfold Memorial Park located near the causeway on M-22. After Labor Day, market hours will be 9 a.m. to noon. Shoppers can listen to live music as they browse and buy. To sign up for the market’s newsletter, find vendor information or read the latest announcements, visit the market’s updated website at: elbertacommunityfarmersmarket.com.
Fresh produce and other goods can be found 12-4 p.m., Fridays, at the Onekama Farmers Market located in the parking lot at 4850 Main St. (M-22). The village is found along Portage Lake in western Manistee County. For information, contact: patinamichigan@gmail.com.
The Ludington Artisan/Farmers Market will be held 3-7 p.m., Fridays, May 26 through Sept. 22, at the Legacy Plaza Pavilion located at 112 N. James St. As the name suggests, the market also features artisans and their wares. Live music performances add to the ambiance. For more information, follow them on Facebook @Ludingtonfarmersmarket, go to www.ludington.mi.us/195/Farmers-Market or call Heather Tykoski, community development director, at 231-845-6237.
Three area farmers markets will take place on Saturdays.
The Scottville Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to noon, June through October, at Miller’s Marketplace located at 202 N. Main St. According to the online schedule, times may vary. Go to: https://nfmd.org/mi/scottville/1011280/.
The Manistee Farmers Market is located at the Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway in Manistee. Blocks from downtown, the venue offers plenty of parking and an expanded space for vendors and musicians. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon, May 27 through Oct. 7. https://manisteekitchen.org/farmers-market/
Perhaps the busiest of the area markets is the Frankfort Farmers Market in Benzie County. Located in Frankfort’s Open Space along Main Street, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May to October. Crafters as well as farmers are on site. Parking spots near the venue go quickly, so plan to walk a block or two. Find them on Facebook @FrankfortFarmersMarketMichigan.
