Mackinaw City Village Council Considers Farmers Market

The Mackinaw City Village Council directed Village Manager Jeff Lawson to investigate any necessary requirements by the county health department regarding a proposal by Upper Peninsula and Cheboygan-area farmers to hold a farmers market in Mackinaw City this summer.

The matter was discussed at the Thursday, July 3, council meeting.

The local Economic Development Corporation and the Downtown Development Authority have considered bringing a farmers market to town in the past, however, local farmers had not come forward themselves. This proposal makes it easier for the village to act, Mr. Lawson said.

If approved, the market will likely be located near one of the village's main streets, or on village park property and is expected to be set up promptly, if approved, Mr. Lawson said.

Mr. Lawson said he will gather information regarding how many distributors will be involved, and what location would work best. He will report back to the council.

President Ron Wallin said such markets have been successful in Cheboygan and did not appear to harm local grocers. Further, it would allow residents to buy local produce, he said.

Trustee James Alford also approved of the idea.