| History of the Market |
|
|
|
|
In 1958, the City of Mt. Clemens began incorporating the incredible array of Macomb county farms into the local economy with the first Mount Clemens Farm City Week. Since agriculture had been a successful enterprise in Macomb County since the 1800’s, Farm City Week provided a great opportunity for the citizens of Mount Clemens to revel in their agrarian heritage. Farmers would sell their produce street-side while informing people of the importance of farming to the local economy. The annual event was such a success that it continued unabated for the next twenty-one years! On July 20, 1979, the Mount Clemens Farmers Market (MCFM) first opened in a parking lot on Cass and Southbound Gratiot. Over 50 farmers from the surrounding area sold their fresh, home grown produce every Friday and Saturday morning into October. The market was a success! Over the years the market moved twice before finally settling at its current location at the City’s Park & Ride lot on North River Road between North Bound Gratiot and I-94. Look for the familiar Big Red Barn at the entrance, which even came with the market on its last relocation. As the market has grown so has its seasonal special events, starting with ‘Soup Day” and “Apple Day” which have evolved into our Spudtacular Pork-a-thon (where market shoppers can feast on succulent roast pig and Macomb grown and baked hot potatoes) and our “Apple Festival” (free cider and doughnuts for all!). Stopping by the Market every Friday and Saturdays not only ensures great meals for the week, but that the rich tradition of local farming will continue into the future. We’ll see you soon! |