The seeds to revitalize a farmers market in Pickford have been planted, watered, and nurtured. Now organizers say they're just waiting for it to grow into reality.

All of the necessary preparations to get the Pickford Farmers Market up and running again are done, but more vendors are still needed, said Pickford Market Master Sheila Bergdoll. Five vendors already have committed to participating in the Pickford market, which will be on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., July through September at Pickford Township Hall. Organizers hope to get more vendors to commit to participating at the market this spring.

"Town hall is ready, the schedule is set, and a certain number of people have committed to the market," she said. "The only thing we need now is to get commitment from more vendors. Other than that, we're ready."

An informational meeting was held at Pickford Township Hall Tuesday, March 17, to raise awareness about the upcoming market and encourage growers to sign up as vendors. The only requirement for farmers to become vendors is that they grow their produce in Chippewa, Luce, or Mackinac counties. There are no fees for vendors to join the market and sell their products.

Friends of the Pickford Community Library, which launched the market initiative last month, already has commitments from 13 vendors.

The market will be held in the late afternoon to allow growers to harvest their produce that morning, so it's as fresh as possible at market, and so people heading home from work can pick up fresh produce for dinner, Ms. Bergdoll said.

Organizers are seeking honey and maple syrup vendors licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture to sell their products at the market. Canned and baked goods are also being sougt, but must be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen.

Many types of fruits and vegetables are expected to be sold at the market, as well as eggs, butter, and cheeses, and organizers are also inviting EUP gardeners, artists, and crafters to sell at the market.

The market will not be licensed to sell fresh meat, but vendors will be able to provide information about where fresh meat can be purchased. Farmers are able to sell fresh meat on their own property, Ms. Bergdoll said.

Raber Township farmer John Dutcher, who also sits on the market organizational committee, is glad the community will be revitalizing the market. He also will be participating in it this summer.

"Pickford has an agricultural background, we thought it was just appropriate," he said. "I think the time is right. Farmers markets are growing like crazy all over the country."

The market will also allow customers to "reconnect" with the farmer to put a name and face with the food they're buying, he said. Some advantages to buying produce at the farmers market over a grocery store, he said, are freshness, quality, income is generated for local farmers rather than large companies, and reduced environmental impacts, like fuel burned to ship produce across the state or country.

"This way you get to know who raises your food," he said. "Dollars that are generated at the farmers market stay locally."

He and his wife, Cindy, will be selling cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, peas, cucumber, blueberries, and eggs at the market.

One of the main reasons the farmers market didn't work in Pickford a few years ago was because there wasn't enough support from customers and vendors, Ms. Bergdoll said.

"It didn't go over and it didn't grow," she said.

This time around, it will be different. She said people are looking for alternative ways to supplement their income in the recession, and the library group wants to help.

"As a library board, the more resources you can offer your community, the more your community can thrive and be successful," she said. "The growers can assist the people who live in this community."

The market will also serve as a social gathering, she said. Organizers are looking to provide demonstrations, such as gardening and planting, as well as have local musicians entertain.

"We want it to be a kid friendly zone, because we want families to participate," she said.

There will be another organizational meeting Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. at Pickford Township Hall. To volunteer or become a vendor at the Pickford Farmers Market, contact Sheila Bergdoll at 647-8500 or Melanie Greenfield at 647-2256.