Some of the vendors have been presenting their wares at this market for generations, with one particular orchard, Tanis, having had a continuous presence since 1931. Over the course of a year, typically more than 200 different vendors will show up to sell their goods and it’s not unusual for a single weekend to bring up to 11,000 shoppers to the site.Located at 1147 E. Fulton Street, just west of Fuller Avenue NE and next to Lighthouse Furnishings collectibles and antique store, the market sets up in a parking lot that stretches the entire length from Fulton to Fountain Street. Ample parking is available on site.

Each year, the market’s regular season begins on the first Saturday in May and lasts until the last Saturday before Christmas. Its hours of operation are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, rain or shine. During the summer months, from June through September, there’s also an extra evening market held every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The market is also open during the months from January through April, although briefly only on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

From the freshest vegetables and fruits, eggs, milk and cheese, to meats, goose eggs and even hedgehog gourds, shoppers seeking quality foods and a fun-filled day will love exploring what the local producers have on hand. It’s an excellent way to get to know the people of the community and appreciate the work and effort that goes into raising and growing the food we eat.

In an effort to preserve and maintain the Fulton Street Farmers Market for years to come, a fundraising campaign is currently underway to renovate the site. The proposed upgrades include adding a roof over the vendor stalls, improving traffic flow and adding some permanent buildings for year-round vendors. In 2007, the market became part of the Brikyaat Neighborhood Revitalization Plan that was adopted into the city’s Master Plan, recognition that the Fulton Street Farmers Market is an important historical and cultural part of Grand Rapids.

For more information about the market, visit their website at www.fultonstreetmarket.org, and for the latest news and information, reviews, photos and visitor comments, don’t forget to check out the Fulton Street Farmers Market on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/fultonstmarket.