The Fulton Street Farmers Market (FSFM), located in the southeast corner of the Midtown Neighborhood, is the last remaining of three original Grand Rapids farmers markets established in the early 1900s. Originally constructed in 1922, the market has retained its regional popularity over the years. Drawing more than 8000 patrons per week during the peak of the season, the market generates millions of dollars worth of revenue for local growers each season.
With the recent influx in “buy local” initiatives, the Fulton Street Farmers Market is seeing a resurgence in both the number of participating growers and in customers. As such, the market is literally busting out at its seams. Earlier this year, a $2.0 million dollar “Our Goodness is Growing Campaign” was announced by the Midtown Neighborhood Association, which will generate funds to provide much needed infrastructure improvements to the space, including:
• Permanently covered, open-air sheds with increased water and electricity access points
• Reconstructed plaza with added space for seating, bicycle storage and vendor overflow
• A small LEED-certified building with indoor stalls for year round vending
• Traffic flow reconfiguration
• New parking area pavement, landscaping and striping
• Two sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms
• Complete site re-grading to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards
• Upgraded heating / cooling systems, insulation and wiring
• Rebuilding of the east side retaining wall
• Storm water retention system reconstruction
“When complete, the renovated Market will offer a better overall experience, more capable of serving local neighbors, area shoppers and our regional farming vendors,” says Diane Griffin, Campaign Chair. “Most importantly, the facility upgrades will provide a space where people can continue to enjoy the finest in locally-grown food, flowers and other goods.”
To date, $1.6 million of the project funds have been raised, leaving just $400,000 to go. Thanks to the strong fundraising efforts and a dedicated group of community leaders and volunteers, organizers will break ground on the new facility in November and celebrate the grand re-opening in May, 2012.
Upcoming fundraising events to benefit the Fulton Street Farmers Market “Our Goodness is Growing” campaign include:
Friday, September 16 (6-9pm)
An Evening in the Neighborhood
From the Heart Yoga Center
714 Wealthy Street SE
Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by local restaurants, using locally-grown goods, as well as local wine and cider pressed from West Michigan apples. Participate in the silent auction for local goods and services and listen to the music from Jimmie Stagger and local chef & blues guitarist Jim Powell and his son, Sam.
Tickets $50 each (including food & drinks) are available at:
o Fulton Street Farmers Market (in office near Fulton)
o From the Heart Yoga Center (on Wealthy)
o Jeffrey Richard Salon (on Wealthy)
o Art of the Table (on Wealthy)
o BarterTown Diner (on Jefferson)
o Grand Central Market (on Monroe Center)
o Or by calling 616-328-9547.
Tuesday, September 27 (11am-1pm | 4-8pm)
Brick Sale for Fulton Street Farmers Market
Grand Central Market
57 Monroe Center, Downtown Grand Rapids
Local singer/songwriter Susan Picking will provide music throughout the day. Purchase a brick or paver and have your name forever etched into the history of the market.
o Brick (2.5x8 inches | one line | 16 characters): $35
o Half Paver (4x8 inches | three lines | 14 characters per line): $50
o Full Paver (8x8 inches | four lines, 14 characters per line): $100
Wednesday, October 5 (11am-1pm | 4-8pm)
Brick Sale for Fulton Street Farmers Market
BarterTown Diner – 6 Jefferson Street
o Brick (2.5x8 inches | one line | 16 characters): $35
o Half Paver (4x8 inches | three lines | 14 characters per line): $50
o Full Paver (8x8 inches | four lines, 14 characters per line): $100
Wednesday, October 19 (5-9pm)
An Evening in the Piazza
Tre Cugini’s La Scala Banquet Room
125 Ottawa, Downtown Grand Rapids (Ledyard Building)
Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by Tre Cugini’s culinary team – using locally-grown ingredients. Participate in the silent auction for goods and services donated by local businesses. A cash bar will be available.
Tickets $75 each (including food & drinks) are available at:
o Fulton Street Farmers Market (in office near Fulton)
o BarterTown Diner (on Jefferson)
o Grand Central Market (on Monroe Center)
o Or by calling 616-328-9547.
Owned by the City of Grand Rapids and managed by the 501(c)3 Midtown Neighborhood Association, improvements to the Market fall under the auspices of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. All charitable gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal law.
www.FultonStreetMarket.org
www.facebook.com/FultonStMarket
www.twitter.com/FultonStFarmers
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