Saline's Winter Farmers Market Provides Goods, Camaraderie

A new location - Liberty School - is already proving successful for the Winter Farmers Market, which has grown to over 30 vendors in its second year. 

Last year, David Rhoads and a handful of vendors started the Market hoping to continue the success that the summer Farmers Market had twice a week.   Rhoads, who is on Saline’s City Council, enjoyed success with the first incarnation of the winter market, which has greatly expanded with the city’s backing, officials said.

“Dave Rhoads started it up last year.  He got the vendors in and provided the building.  Now, the city took it over and this is the fruit of his labor,” said Paul Kniffen of Kniffen Farms.

The market, which runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon, has several vendors from the summer markets as well as some newcomers.  Shoppers can find fresh produce, hand made goods of all kinds as well as baked goods and other treasures, and it’s a cordial atmosphere with vendors directing customers to others who may have the products they are not selling.

“There’s a real nice camaraderie between the vendors.  We think of ourselves as family.  We get to know our customers,” said Leslee Niethammer of Ed’s Bread, which sells breads and other baked goods as you enter the Market.

Whether you are looking for some fresh produce or just some friendly conversation, head on down to the Winter Farmers Market on Saturdays.  People at the market are willing to chat, from Market Manager Nancy Crisp to old friends you run into during the day. 

The Market runs from November until April and is open to the public.