The Saline Farmers Market Now Open

Vendors and shoppers alike were happy to be back outside for the 2011 season of the Saline Farmers Market, located in downtown Saline in the parking lot off South Ann Arbor Street. The market will be open there every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon until October.

Patsy Stevens and her daughter Susan were downright giddy to be there. 

“We love supporting our local folks!” Susan said. “We all need to look out for one another.”

Patsy Stevens added, “These are all dedicated people. I have seen them out here in wind and rain, holding down their tents.” 

There was no need for tents this past Saturday. With sunny and blue skies and mild temperatures near 50 degrees at 8:30 a.m., the weather was fully cooperative.

“Isn’t it just lovely?” said Susan Stevens, whose delight could be heard from across the lot.

Dean Sell, of Sell Farms and Greenhouses in Ypsilanti, was happy to be back and hoping the weather would finally stay mild. 

“Sales have been down due to cloudy and really wet weather,” he said. 

Customers seemed to like the potted flowers he had available on Saturday. Sell had a variety of flowers in pinks, purples, reds and whites, which he was hoping to sell, especially the day before Mother’s Day.

Adam Fronhofer and Laura Ramos from “The Farm,” formerly known as Goldenrod farm, were at the Saline summer market for the first time. Their specialty this weekend was lemon balm plants. 

“If you rub the leaf with your fingers, you can smell the lemony scent,” Fronhofer said. “It is a perennial medicinal herb good in teas and salads. It is good for colds, sinus problems and helps with digestion.” 

Fronhofer and Ramos have a small farm of less than one acre. They farm by hand and they don’t use pesticides.

Mike Prochaska of Prochaska Farms shared a tent with Four Corners Creamery. He has been part of the Saline market since 2003. His farm is just south of Saline and he sells to people from all over the area. Each Saturday, however, downtown Saline is where he will be.

“It’s close to home and we just love the customers,” he said.

Many items can be found at the Saline Farmers Market, including potted and fresh cut flowers, farm-fresh eggs, dairy items, fruits and vegetables, hummus, baked goods and artwork carved from wood, made of glass or woven with wool.

The market is also open at its secondary location behind the Saline District Library Tuesday afternoons from 3-7 p.m.