The Kingsley Market is undergoing a major revamp in 2022, with two new market managers, a significantly expanded list of farmers and vendors, and plans to offer weekly live music, themes, speakers, and workshops.
Kingsley MarketDuring a decade-long stint vending at farmers markets, Bear Earth Herbals founder Sierra Bigham says she would often dream about improvements she could make to the markets.
Bigham, who has vended at the Kingsley Market in the past, says the event was stuck in a frustrating cycle: A handful of vendors would draw only a handful of customers, which made it difficult to attract more vendors, which made it difficult to attract more customers.
The 2022 list so far includes well-known local vendors like Boss Mouse Cheese, Ken’s Fresh Fish, and Covered Wagon Farms, plus at least four Kingsley community members who are first-time vendors and farmers “bringing an array of edible products,” Bigham says.
Workshop topics will range from seed germinating to cooking techniques like canning, fermenting, and pickling; the market will also offer a free herbal clinic once a month.
After returning from a farmers market conference in San Diego this spring – Bigham and Greilick were one of only three management teams selected from across the country to receive scholarships to attend – the duo were brimming with inspiration for the event’s future.
“I feel there’s a lot of missed opportunity for greater community building at the markets,” says Bigham.
One word of caution for shoppers: Construction is expected to start on the North Cass Street bridge near Traverse Connect in mid-to-late summer, which will impact market access from the east.
“Bring the kids, bring the dogs, and come out for a good time.” The market features approximately 60 vendors, half of which are food/produce vendors and the other half of which are crafters/artisans.
“The community garden, a farmers market, the food assistance distribution done here monthly is all a part of our small effort to help with food security and sustainability,” Friend says.
The market – which features farm fresh eggs, meats, cheese, fruits and veggies, homemade breads, cookies, honey, preserves, maple syrup, and more – will remain outside through the end of October before shifting back indoors again in November.