The Dearborn Farmers & Artisan’s Market will enter its second year in downtown Dearborn when it opens the 2009 season this Friday.

The market has a new location this year, moving to the outside of Bryant Library at the corner of Michigan and Mason. For 2009, the market is actually opening six weeks earlier than in 2008, a very good thing in our book, and starting an hour earlier, opening at 8 a.m. and running until 1 p.m. The early start is a smart addition as it should allow more people to stop at the market before heading to work.

There has been a lot of discussion on this website about why the market is on a Friday, rather than a Saturday. We think holding the market on a Friday can be advantageous as many more people work in Dearborn than live, a possible benefit to vendors and it shows off our city to non-residents, too.

We caught up with Joan Reed, market manager for the Dearborn Farmers & Artisan’s Market, to have her explain the Friday vs. Saturday choice, as well as all of the other fantastic changes for the 2009 season that we think will make the market an even bigger success.

“The Dearborn Farmers & Artisan’s Market is on Fridays rather than Saturday because last year most vendors who I felt would be right for our Market said Friday was the day most would be available,” Reed said. “Many vendors have been going to other Markets for a number of years on Saturday and some actually do 3 or 4 on Saturdays. Yes, it would be nice to have a Saturday Market but our community needs to support our market on Fridays for the time being.”

In addition to the earlier start time and more visible location along Michigan Avenue, the Dearborn Farmers & Artisan’s Market has added the Henry Ford Community College as a sponsor, who will be hosting cooking demonstrations. There also will be music most mid-mornings, children’s activities and more vendors, too.

“We’ll probably average 28 vendors this year versus last year’s 18-22,” Reed said. “The majority will be farmers and food vendors and, like last year, all farmers will only be selling their own Michigan grown products without any ‘middle men.’

“We’re excited to have many new vendors this year, including four new produce vendors. Just a few of our new vendors include Cheekymonkeysfoods with Fair Trade Organic Coffee and Tea, along with organic baked goods; Tracina’s Gourmet Specialties with frozen gnocchi and sauces that are all natural; and Natural Local Food Express with beef and bison products.”

There also will be a variety of other products to select from, including seasonal produce and fruit, honey, meats, breads, cookies, coffee, cheese, soy candles, soaps, pastas, salsas, mustards, flowers, cherry drinks, and pickles.

“The Dearborn Farmers and Artisan’s Market is a great opportunity to purchase fresh, local Michigan products in a convivial setting while enjoying your Dearborn neighbors,” Reed said. “We will have music most weeks mid morning. The Culinary Arts Dept of HFCC will be hosting cooking demonstrations June 12, 2009, with more planned in the future. Children’s Activities will be in conjunction with Bryant Library the first Friday of each month, and we’re looking forward to having the Dearborn Fire Department bring a hook and ladder for the children to enjoy in the latter part of June. Like last year, the Master Gardeners will be present every week to answer questions and provide tips on gardening and landscaping.”

For those wondering about parking, it is available in any of the city lots close to the Market. Cost is free until 9:30 a.m., and the city has agreed to limit the maximum amount charged during the market hours to $1.00 for any time beyond half hour.

We think the Dearborn Farmers & Artisan’s Market is a great addition to Dearborn’s downtown. It’s success will hinge on the participation of all of us here. Here’s to a successful 2009 season!