Farmers' Market Offers Michigan-Made Products in Rochester

Vendors will populate downtown Rochester again today as the second week of the 14th annual Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market gets under way.

The market, which exclusively offers Michigan-grown and Michigan-made products, runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. today at the corner of East Third and Water streets, one block east of Main Street in downtown Rochester. The market runs each Saturday through Oct. 26.

The Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market kicked off its 14th season on May 4, with Rochester Downtown Development Authority Marketing Coordinator Nancy Voges estimating the crowd at more than 1,000 patrons. The Rochester DDA hopes the high turnout will carry through to this weekend.

"It's a great place to meet up with neighbors and friends," Voges said. 

Each week, the market will highlight a specific vendor with samples or demonstrations. This weekend, the Moon River Soap Company will offer soap samples and demos, Voges said.

The weekly market also provides a boost for local business, Voges said.

"If you figure 500 to 1,000 people are downtown picking up coffee, going to breakfast, shopping, going to lunch, it brings traffic downtown on a weekly basis," Voges said.