PLYMOUTH — Folks seeking local foods, produce and artisan goods will have several opportunities this summer.
Farmers and makers markets in Plymouth and Shelby are set to begin in June and run through September.
Village Roots, a monthly marketplace in downtown Plymouth, recently introduced Sunday Market on Main — a farmers and makers market set to open Sunday, June 2.
The new downtown market will be open from noon to 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of June, July, August and September. Vendors will be located on the triangle near East Main Street.
Six days later, the Shelby Farmers Market is scheduled to begin Saturday, June 8 at the Black Fork Commons park.
The market, open 9 a.m. to noon, will be available to shoppers each Saturday from June 8 to Sept. 14.
Village Roots taking action with Sunday Market on Main
Sunday Market on Main will offer four opportunities to support local farmers, businesses and artisans throughout the summer.
Market dates are set for June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 8 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
A variety of vendors will offer local foods, produce and artisan goods, among others. Live music from local musicians is also planned. Village Roots plans to post a full list of vendors attending each market on its Facebook page.
Thirteen vendors are set to attend Sunday’s market, with more to be added this week. The featured food truck will be Red Beard BBQ & Catering.
Katie Veletean, who owns Village Roots along with her husband Jason, said she’s excited for the market’s first year.
“I’m not anticipating it being huge by any means this first year,” she said. “At least it will be a starting point and hopefully something we can build upon for future years.”
“It’s definitely something that our community needs, so we’re going to give it a whirl and see how things go.”
Veletean added certain vendors will be at all four markets — while other dates will include new vendors.
Picnic tables will be available for those in attendance to sit and enjoy food or treats. Folks are also welcome to bring their own chairs.
Veletean said vendors interested in participating can contact Village Roots on Facebook.
Shelby’s summer market to include live music
Aileen Stewart has managed the Shelby Farmers Market since 2015. The upcoming market season will offer goods from several returning and new vendors, she said.
“The vendors are many and varied,” Stewart said. “Most of my regular vendors will be returning and will have produce, sauces, baked goods — including quick breads, cookies, cakes, yeast bread, and cake pops — local artists, wood workers, jewelry makers, crocheted goods, kitchen towels, plants, and so much more.
“I have also been contacted by several new vendors who I am told will be bringing jams, maple syrup, pies, and sourdough breads.”
Through a partnership with the Shelby Community Improvement Corporation, Shelby Foundation and the Renaissance Theatre, live music will be infused into the market atmosphere.
Eight local musicians will make pop-up appearances at market dates throughout the summer.
Stewart said she’s excited to be partnering with the local organizations to add to the community shopping experience.
“We used to have a partnership with the Richland County Farm Bureau who sponsored Farm To Plate Demonstrations, but unfortunately, COVID put an end to that,” she said.
“So, it is nice to have another community draw to add to our lovely market mornings.”
Stewart said the market’s catchphrase, “Your Saturday Destination,” sums up everything she loves about the market.
“Not only is the Shelby Farmers Market a place to find wonderful produce, delicious treats, and gifts of every shape and size — but it is also a place to catch up with friends, make new friends, and enjoy one of the many extraordinary parks we have available in Shelby,” she said.
