Soap maker proposes resurrecting Green Oak Township Farmers Market

GREEN OAK TWP. — A natural body products maker from New Hudson is trying to revive a farmers market in Green Oak Township.

Sarah Lester, who owns Kingdom Soapery, has proposed resurrecting the Green Oak Township Farmers Market at 11299 E. Grand River Ave.

If the market is approved by township officials as proposed, it would be held 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays, May-October. The market was previously held on Saturdays.

Lester said the goal is to get farmers with fresh produce, poultry, and meat on board, complemented by local area craftspeople.

The Green Oak Township Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposal Wednesday, April 3.

Lester, who was a vendor at the previous market, said participation had waned.

"I asked around to other vendors (to see) if there was an interest in reviving it," she said.

More: As spring ramps up, locals plan Livingston Farmers Market

Lester said township officials want the focus to be on fresh farm goods — so it's not too much like a flea market. There's room for about 50-60 vendor spots on-site.

"In addition to providing a space for commerce, the farmer's market will serve as a hub for community engagement," Lester wrote in her proposal to township officials. "We plan to organize special events such as cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and educational workshops to further enrich the market experience."

Lester said she's ready to step up to the challenge of being the proposed market's manager, with a background in promoting events. She previously coordinated student activities at Macomb Community College.

Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles said officials believe it's a good site for a farmers market.

"We're interested in hearing what her proposal is."

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It's the latest in farmers market news in Livingston County, which is already well-known for the Howell Sunday Farmers Market and regular Brighton Saturday Farmers Market. The Hartland Farmers Market was recently rescued from closure, and plans for a new Livingston County Farmers Market (also on Saturdays) near Pinckney are well underway.

— Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at [email protected]. 

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Soap maker proposes resurrecting Green Oak Township Farmers Market