Fulton Street Farmers Market

This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. Please help improve it by removing promotional content and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic content written from a neutral point of view. (August 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Fulton Street Farmers Market

Farmers Market under the new roof
Location	Fulton Street west of Fuller Avenue, Grand Rapids
Coordinates	42°57′46″N 85°38′26″W / 42.96278°N 85.64056°W / 42.96278; -85.64056
Address	1145 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Opening date	1922
Management	Rori Weston
Environment	Outdoor market with roof, small indoor retail hall
Goods sold	Fruit and vegetables, dairy, meats, honey, syrup, baked goods, condiments, crafts
Days normally open	Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat (May-Christmas) Sat only (Jan-Apr)
Number of tenants	200 vendors in a year
Parking	Limited
Website	[1]

Fulton Street Farmers Market is a farmers market that opened in 1922 in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

History[edit]

During the 1800s, farmers would gather in the downtown streets to sell their wares, but by the turn of the century, it was illegal to sell along the streets, and farmers were told to go to a large market on an island in the river if they wanted to sell.^[1] By 1914, local women who were a part of the Grand Rapids Federation of Women's Clubs lobbied for the city to set up a dedicated space for the farmers to come and sell. The new farmer's market opened on Leonard Street and became very popular.^[2] Other markets opened in the city and were just as popular as the original.

The market on Fulton Street started in 1922, around the same time as many other markets in Michigan. It still operates in its original location and configuration.^[3] For a long time, the market was organized under the Public Services Department of Grand Rapids. Eventually, the City Parks and Recreation Department took over leadership and organization and the market became a city park.

The market underwent a $3 million renovation^[4] in 2012 and 2013. A roof was added in 2012, along with a refurbished outdoor market space, as well as permanent stalls with electricity and lighting.^[5] In addition, a year-round vendor building was opened in May 2013. The 2,000-square-foot space includes vendor space, restrooms, the market office, and an information desk.

Payment Options[edit]

All eligible vendors at the market accept SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks,^[6] and WIC (including Project Fresh). The market was one of the largest included in a pilot program for mobile digital payments.^[7]

References[edit]