This August marks 100 years for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (AAFM) serving the community with local, fresh food, goods and so much more. There are some great events planned for the community all season long, including guest chef cooking demonstrations, kids activities and a 100th birthday party Saturday, Aug. 24.
But first, here’s how you can join the AAFM (315 Detroit St.) in kicking off the season-long celebration in May:
Wednesday, May 1
The Wednesday market returns, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. In addition to the year-round Saturday market, the Wednesday market returns May 1 and runs through December. Each Wednesday, you’ll find truckloads of the freshest, local fruits and vegetables; farm-raised eggs and meats; artisanal yogurt, cheese and breads and unique maker goods. Look for a variety of ready-to-eat foods including RoosRoast Coffee, Hummus Falafil and the Wood Fired Up and Mi Compadre Food Trucks.
Alexander the Magician will perform at noon. Come experience some magic at the market! Alexander, a professional magician, humorist and muse will entertain all ages. Watch for children’s activities during Wednesday and Saturday markets and special events all summer long!
Food Truck Rally, 5-8 p.m. May also marks the start of the AAFM Food Truck Rallies. The first Wednesday of the month (May-October), AAFM hosts over 14 food trucks serving up locally sourced, homemade, ready-to-eat foods. New this year, Bloom Meadery will be joining with their dry, sparkling, session meads and ciders made with Michigan ingredients. Get outside for dinner and enjoy live music, face-painting, children’s activities and a great night out!
Saturday, May 11
Kids activities by The Farm at St. Joe’s, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Calling all kids! Come enjoy a fun activity at the market. Kids are welcome to learn about how food grows, identify seeds and to plant their own greens. The Farm at St Joe’s mission is empowering people through food, education and relationships.
Mindo Chocolates Cooking Demonstration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Barbara Wilson, founder of Mindo Chocolates, will be onsite to demonstrate recipes using Mindo Chocolates. Free tastings!
Wednesday, May 15
Miss Kim Cooking Demonstration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Chef Ji Hye, owner and chef of Miss Kim Korean Restaurant, will be onsite for a cooking demonstration featuring her favorite Korean recipes using seasonal ingredients from market vendors. Free tastings!
Sunday, May 26
Ann Arbor Flower Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The farmers market combines with the Sunday Artisan Market to offer this special flower day, which will also include food trucks, live music, backyard beekeeping tips, gardening how-to advice, kids activities and tons of fun for the whole family. AAFM growers will offer a premium variety of flowers, plants, bulbs, seeds, seedlings and herbs at a great value — so come early for the best selection.
MAKE Art Table at the market. May 8, 15, 18, 22, 29 and at the May Food Truck Rally, join Khadijah Make, owner of MAKE Art Studio, for some creative fun. The MAKE Art Table will feature free make-and-take art projects for kids of all ages. MAKE wants to help children realize they can make anything happen if they put their minds and creative thinking into it!
The AAFM is proud to bring farm-fresh produce to the community every week of the year. The gathering place for more than 130 local businesses, the producer-only market offers native plants, artisanal yogurt, cheese and baked goods, fresh-picked vegetables, slow-roasted coffee beans, fermented sauerkraut and Sriracha, cut flowers, hardwood cutting boards and planters, premier Michigan fruits and nuts, maple syrup and so much more. Come join the fun.
Watch for more events on the farmers market website www.a2gov.org/market and on Facebook and Instagram @A2Market.
