TRAVERSE CITY — The Sarah Hardy Farmers Market in downtown Traverse City is preparing for its upcoming season, with vendor application. The market, which has been an area institution since the mid-1980s, is scheduled to open for the year on May 2.
Managed by the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, the market is the largest grower’s market in Michigan. Plans are underway to enhance the site with a new permanent pavilion designed to provide year-round shelter for both vendors and visitors.
The planned pavilion is designed to provide shelter from northern winds and inclement weather during the market’s shoulder seasons. While providing a permanent structure, the project will maintain the existing parking at the site. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) also plans to use the space for community events, conferences and parties through a partnership with the city.
The Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority Harry Burkholder noted that the project represents the culmination of long-term efforts. “The old blue awnings that used to be in that site were one of the first investments by the DDA, almost 30 years ago,” Burkholder said. “To see this kind of come a full fruition is really exciting.”
Beyond providing shelter, the DDA intends for the new space to improve the market’s connection with the Boardman River. The new pavilion will feature wider aisles for shoppers and public amenities such as benches. “If you want to sit and enjoy your croissant after you purchase it at the farmer’s market, we can do that,” Burkholder said.
The Sarah Hardy Farmers Market is a regional grower’s market, meaning all participating farmers must produce their goods on-site. The market requires all vendors to be located within a three-county radius of Traverse City. “The fact that it’s a growing market, means that the farmer has to actually make the product here on site,” Burkholder said. “You won’t see a Grand Rapids vendor at the farmer’s market.”
The market hosted nearly 100 vendors last summer and expects similar participation levels this year. Many of the vendors have been selling at the market for nearly 30 years.
The DDA expects to break ground on the new pavilion in July. Officials are targeting a potential ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Fall.
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