Rust Belt Market Seeks Vendors for New Farmers Market

The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale is seeking vendors to fill a new farmers market slated to launch later this month.

Local farmers will sell produce and seasonal items from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays beginning July 21 in The Rust Belt's new event space, according to co-owner Chris Best.

"If we have a lot of interested participants, we could spill it outside if the weather's hospitable," Best said. "That's always an option."

The farmers market will operate in tandem with The Rust Belt's dozens of regular merchants, said Jesse Welter, who owns Parker Creative and is spearheading the project. 

"It seemed like traffic was slower since the new event space (opened earlier this year in the center of the market)," Welter said. "So, I thought, a farmers market is perfect because (customers) are coming to shop local and all the stores around (the perimeter of The Rust Belt) are local."

Welter said The Rust Belt is looking for vendors to supply produce; seasonal items, such as pumpkins and Christmas trees; breads; cheeses; plants; and flowers. Tables will cost $35 during the first month and $45 subsequently (download attached PDF to apply for a vendor space).

The only other farmers market open Sunday in the area is in Birmingham, Welter said, adding The Rust Belt will have the advantage of free parking.

""t's a great idea and I think it will be good for businesses," Welter said. "It's kind of a last chance for people who couldn't make it to Eastern Market (in Detroit). ... It's like a one-stop shop – and it's local."

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