Hundreds of people attend farmers market on Capitol Lawn in Lansing

LANSING — Hundreds of shoppers and dozens of vendors filled the Michigan Capitol lawn Tuesday morning for the 16th annual Michigan Farmers Market Association show — a chance to showcase the variety of produce and products available across Michigan.

More than 50 vendors lined the sidewalks on the east side of the Capitol and seven food trucks set up on Capitol Avenue for the event.

“Markets don’t just happen. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into them from market organizers, vendors, sponsors and partners, and it’s really the people behind the market that make it successful,” said Amanda Shreve, executive director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

The association hosts three summer markets at the Capitol to introduce lawmakers to vendors and food trucks from across Michigan offering produce, flowers, jams, breads, artwork and meats.

The market returns to the Capitol on August 27 and September 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be held on the Capitol lawn, with different vendors and products available depending on what is in season at the time.

Why host at the Capitol?

Every season, organizers promote Michigan’s farmers, farms and, of course, farmers markets, Shreve said, but this year, organizers are pushing for new home-cooked food laws so home-cooked food vendors can thrive.

With the sidewalks already packed on Tuesday afternoon, organizers took the opportunity to conduct surveys among passers-by to better understand what the public thinks about the legislation surrounding home-cooked food.

Reaction to the event was positive

“I’m most looking forward to the bread,” said Ashley Christian, sipping a cider slushy from Petey’s Donuts. Christian has been attending the Farmers Market at The Capitol for five years and looks forward to supporting Lansing vendors.

At the Honey Bun Bakery booth, owner Liz Kruger said she started her business in her kitchen in 2019. It’s grown since then. Kruger believes a farmers market works best when vendors work together rather than compete with each other.

On the table in front of Kruger were blueberry scones, sticky buns, carrot cakes, brownies, baklava and banana bread. She sells baked goods in a variety of ways, and farmers markets are good for business.

“We were voted the best cinnamon roll in Lansing. We’re a hidden gem because we don’t have a storefront,” Kruger said.

At the Lansing Art Gallery booth, the cards and stickers designed by Michigan artists caught the most attention from shoppers. The gallery has participated in the Farmers Market at The Capitol for three seasons.

“It’s just a good way to get our name out in the community and meet new people,” said Michelle Carlson, the gallery’s director.

In addition to fresh food, farmers markets also bring friends and family together.

Mindy Woolman appreciates the size of the Farmers Market at The Capitol and regularly shops at the slightly smaller Eastern Ingham Farmers Market.

“Clean, inviting, welcoming, and samples are always good,” Woolman said when describing a successful farmers market. She added that the time with her daughter to shop around makes it fun.