Temporary Tats, Balloon Fish, Coffee, & History Part of Depot Day at Highland Farmers Market

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 5, 2023)

Highland, MI – Each Saturday in summer and early fall, the corner of M-59 and Milford Road comes alive with the bustle of the Highland Farmers Market.

That same area once bustled with merchants, customers, and travelers who gathered around the Highland Depot. Highland was founded in 1835, and was so named because it was believed to be the highest point discovered in Michigan to date.

The history of Highland is a point of pride for the community, and organizers of the market wanted a way to honor the decades of community and commerce, so they designated Sept. 23 at Depot Day at the market.

Sheets of temporary tattoos provided a hands-on way to remember key facts about the community. The railroad, or course, is represented. A tornado tattoo helps people remember the major tornado of 1882. And a chunky green dill pickle also has a design, a nod to the area’s history of pickle production.

At the modern day farmers market there is produce, as well as booths with baked goods, crafts, and even one with a lady that twists balloons into animal shapes.

Malen Taylor has been making balloon animals since 2017, a skill that she learned from her brother. Now she does them at markets, baby showers, birthday parties etc. While she’s good at making dinosaurs and funny hats, her favorite is a fishing line with a fish on it.

Baked goods are also popular at the market. Baked by Jamie’s Jamie Globerson comes from Waterford to sell tasty treats like soft pretzels and cookies. But her most unusual – and most popular – item is the Brunch Dish. This is an egg casserole with a croissant base topped with potatoes and cheese and a cornflake crust top. “I like that it’s savory and hearty,” she said.

Baked by Jamie has been at the Highland Farmers Market since 2021, and Jamie now serves as the market manager, helping to bring a variety of vendors to the space. “It’s a labor of love for sure,” she said. “We’ve had a huge summer, with 15-30 vendors each week.”

Alexandra Belanger of St. Honore Bread is another baker at the market. “I make real sourdough bread. It’s how bread should be made,” she said. The local mom joined the market back in May, and has been enjoying the challenge of bread-making, as well as coming to the market each week. “I love everything about it,” Belanger said.

While some may be lured by the comfort of soft, fresh baked bread, it’s coffee that gets Trick Elbow Coffee‘s owner and chief roaster Brian G. to the corner each Saturday. Brian comes from Fenton with a nice selection of single-origin, organic coffee that’s been sourced from multiple countries for a distinctive collection of flavors.

“I’m a coffee snob,” he said. “It’s a big rabbit hole once you get into it, with all the different tastes and smells.” His preference is a light roast, to ensure more distinct flavor.

Of course there is also produce at the Highland Farmers Market. Scott and Linda Wissner had the lion’s share on Saturday, with beans, carrots, tomatoes and other homegrown veggies from their farm in Highland. They also had mini gourds for perfect fall decorating. “We love having a place to sell, to meet people, and support other small farmers too,” Linda said.

The special guest for the market was The Highland Township Historical Society, on hand to discuss the area’s railway history. Lori and Gene Beach were there to pass out information, give tours, and answer questions. The history of Highland Station is laid out, including the construction of the depot and the arrival of the first train in 1871, and the opening of Highland Pickle works in 1880.

In the late 1890s the station became a stop for those traveling from Detroit and Flint to the White Lake and Pettibone Lake resort areas. Passenger service ended in the 1950s as the Motor City became more auto-focused. The depot was boarded up and eventually torn down in the 1960s. Trains continue to use the rail lines through Highland, though now they do not stop.

While the train station itself is gone, the theme of trains lives on thanks to those who continue to share the history.

The Highland Farmers Market has just one more day left this season – Saturday Oct. 7 from 10AM – 2PM. There will be a trick or treat theme for the grand finale. Learn more at https://www.highlandfarmmarket.com/market-days.html