"Market in the Park" events at State Parks in Sept

Please share the message below with any farmers or specialty food/ag
producers that may be interested.

Thanks!

Dear Michigan Agriculture Product/Specialty Food Producer:

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) are seeking Michigan food and agriculture companies to
showcase their products at two Select Michigan "Market in the Park"
events this fall. The farmers market style events will be held 10 am -
6 pm, Saturday, September 19, at Sterling State Park in Monroe; and
Saturday, September 26, at Van Buren State Park in South Haven.

This is the first year the two departments have partnered on events
that combine the promotion of food and agriculture businesses in
Michigan with enjoyment of our state's natural treasures - its state
parks.

The markets will be held in conjunction with annual harvest festivals
at the state parks, and with other special activities, including a wine
tasting tent and an eco-friendly music festival. You can participate at
one or both of the markets. All products sold must be Michigan grown,
processed or manufactured food and/or agriculture products. All
processed foods sold must be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen.

Vendor space is open to any Michigan grower, specialty food processor
or non-food agricultural product producer (wool, herb or soy-based
products, etc.). Cost per space is $25 for each event, which includes a
daily pass into the park for one vehicle. All vendors MUST be set up
and ready to serve customers by 10 a.m. on the day of the market. MDA
and DNR can not be responsible for any loss incurred by vendors during
the show.

Parking is near by, so set-up should be relatively easy. The setting
for the market is beautiful, near the beach at both state parks.

An application form and contract are attached, along with information
on show rules and show hours. Deadline for reserving vendor space is
Wednesday, September 9.

We have already begun to promote this event and expect a great response
to the show. I look forward to working with you at the Markets in the
Parks to promote your Michigan products and business. See you at the
parks!

Sincerely,

Jeanne M. Hausler
Agricultural Tourism & Outreach Manager
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Fairs, Exhibitions & Racing Division
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
517/373-9790
517/242-2961 cell
517/241-4217 fax
hauslerj@michigan.gov
www.michigan.gov/mda