Holly Farmers Market Opens Sunday with Fresh Foods, Masks, and Plants
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 15, 2020)
Holly, MI – As the Holly Farmers Market enters it’s third year, organizers are aware that the need for access to fresh, local foods is even more important than ever with the COVID-19 crisis.
“Farmer‘s markets provide a direct link from farmers, producers, and local crafts-people to purchasers. Fewer hands have touched the items, and they require less infrastructure,” said Farmer’s Market organizer Genevieve Rainey. “Local food networks are more resilient because they don’t rely on large factories, trucking, shipping, crews of field workers, etc.
“Agriculture has become more efficient over time as it monopolizes, but these few large systems are more vulnerable. Local agriculture is diverse, supports individuals in the community, and can still be cost effective and accessible.”
The Holly Farmer’s Market opens Sunday May 17 from 10am to 2pm at Crapo Park, which is across the street from the Holly Hotel.  And it is expected to run weekly through October 11.
Because of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order vendors are limited to those providing essential services. According to Rainey, the items that can be purchased at this time will include: produce, plant starters, personal hygiene products, cloth face masks, eggs, breads, cookies, salsa, chips, and other food items.
“We are hoping to have all types of vendors back by May 31st or June 7th,” she said.
There will be some other changes to keep people safe. Vendor booths will be spaced further apart. Vendors and shoppers should wear face masks if medically able, and guests are asked to stay at least six feet apart. Organizers may limit the number of people into the market area at any time, and they ask for patience if this happens.
“We know the social atmosphere will be different, but it’s important to keep our vendors and neighbors safe.”
Among the vendors are local favorites Diana’s Heirloom Produce, Roeske Farms of Hartland, April’s Famous Bakes, Simply Gourmet Fresh, and Blue Water Soap LLC.  The market not only connects local farmers and entrepreneurs with shoppers who may struggle to find fresh items elsewhere, especially in the pandemic – they also are giving back.  Ten percent of the market’s profits are donated back to the “Save the Holly Depot” fund.
Rainey and her husband Eric Gamble are working this year with produce vendor Diana Regan to continue to grow the market, and to keep adapting as they can to help the community.  “Our goal has always been to support local people,” she said.
Learn more about the Holly Farmers Market on Facebook.