05/07/13 The 9th year of the Plymouth Farmers’ Market (PFM) opens Saturday, May 11, traditionally the day before Mother’s Day and continuing through October 10. Bring your shopping bag and reconnect with old friends under the magnolia tree.
Musical entertainment has been planned for each week. It kicks off with Jodie Kallenberg directing the Plymouth Community Youth Orchestra at 9:30, a warm-up for their upcoming annual spring concert. Local favorites will be returning with Jefferson and Webster Schools under the direction of Bob Pickell as well as Mike Linter, Sentimental Journey and the Marshall County Church Orchestra. New is Randy Jones’ ‘Huckleberry Clamshell’ group and Marcie Prochaska playing dulcimer.
Despite drought conditions last year, Market Manager Tom Keb reported an average of over 30 vendors throughout the season. Regulars will be on hand opening day, including Janice Hurford of Sunny Acres Farm, who’s been faithful to the Market since Day One. She will be featuring mixed salad greens—spinach, arugula, Chinese cabbage, red kale, tatsoi and mizuna. The latter two Asian greens won’t be found in stores but their interesting leaves add to an attractive salad. With the help of her high tunnel, financed through a grant from USDA, she has been growing throughout the winter months. After visiting other tunnels, she decided to take the plunge admitting she has a lot to learn but finding it a “great challenge”. She was able to sell spinach all winter from just one row but she hasn’t stopped growing outdoors—green onions will be available but those wanting radishes will have to wait.
Education continues to be a big player in the scenario in with Master Gardeners assuming a big role. Opening day will feature ‘Treat Your Tree This Year’ to fend off insect invaders. May 18 visitors will learn how to plant a rain garden.
The Market is held Saturdays from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. in River Park Square at Garro and River Streets, east of Michigan. The area is now officially a city park under the management of the Plymouth Parks Department. The last day for the Market is Oct. 12, the second Saturday of the month.
Applications for vendors and not-for-profits are available on the website at www.plymouthfarmersmarket.com or by contacting Tom Keb, Market Manager, 10499 Tyler Road, Bremen, IN 46506 (574-217-5776). Booth space for vendors remains at $10 per week per booth. Not-for-profit booths are free but groups are limited to once a month.
May 11/Mother’s Day Weekend
Plymouth Community Youth Orchestra 9:30
Master Gardeners: Insect invaders of trees/’Treat Your Trees This Year’
May 18
Jefferson and Webster Schools at 9:00-Bob Pickell
Master Gardeners: ‘Let’s Plant a Rain Garden’
Discovery School Project
May 25/Memorial Day Weekend
Master Gardeners: Trees for an Urban Landscape
Marcy Prochaska playing dulcimer 9:00-10:30
Flags handed out by Mayor
Photo: Fr. John Schramm and wife Barbara shop the Sunny Acres booth as Janice Hurford (right) looks on. Hurford’s ‘special brother’ Max Neidlinger who assists Market Manager Tom Keb with collecting vendor fees, visits with his mom who’s a regular helper.
Provided by Lyn Ward
