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Macomb Looks To Expand Farmer's Market

Macomb Farmer;s Market Facebook Page
Produce on sale at the Macomb Farmer's Market

Macomb residents might get more opportunities to buy fresh produce and other local goods this summer. Downtown Development Director Kristin Terry proposed expanding the market from two days to three.

From May to October, the Macomb Farmer's Market operates Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the courthouse square. Terry told the Macomb City Council she wants to add Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the peak season, which is June, July, and August.

And the Tuesday market would be held at a different location -- Chandler Park. She said the extra day, later hours, and different location would attract a younger crowd and more families.

During the city council meeting, Alderman At Large Dennis Moon questioned whether the extra day would be worth a vendor’s time. “I can see where the evening one would be very popular," Moon said. "But, I just think you’re gonna rob the other two so consequently as an individual, you are going to increase your operating costs by a third, are you going to increase your sales by a third?”

Moon said he’s also worried that having the market at Chandler Park would require some streets to be blocked off. Depending on how many vendors participate, Terry said a Tuesday farmer's market at the park could require portions of E. Carroll St. and N. Randolph St. to be blocked off.

But, she said she's spoken with the vendors and the local businesses that would be affected. She said both groups are on board with the expansion and look forward to an increase in foot traffic Tuesday evening. 

The city council is expected to discuss the proposal more at its meeting next week.

Emily Boyer is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.