Photo Courtesy of Sandy McClure
Sandy McClure recently sat down to answer some questions about the Wayne Farmers' Market. Sandy is their Market Manager, and is responsible for making sure the market operates smoothly every week to provide fresh and healthy foods to the community.
Please describe the Wayne Farmers' Market, and its mission. The overall mission of the City of Wayne Farmers Market is to promote local farmers, growers and artists. The establishment of the market was to create a direct producer to consumer marketplace, to promote healthy eating and provide quality, fresh and wholesome food for those seeking such products. The market provides a festive atmosphere that benefits local merchants and creates positive activity in the downtown area.
What does your market offer to the community? Along with encouraging new shoppers to the area to benefit our local businesses, the market has done a wonderful job in bringing neighbors together and has helped to create a real sense of community.
What is your background and what lead you to this business? Being a huge proponent of healthy living and its many benefits, I've always had a passion for local farmers' markets and even find myself seeking them out in my travels. After many years with Ford Motor Company in Dealer Relations/Special Events Planning, I retired and decided to take some time off to spend with my daughter before she started college. Just as I was ready to return to the work force, my sister-in-law came across the Market Manager posting, called me and the rest is history! It's been a real pleasure working for the City of Wayne.
How does the concept of holistic health apply to the Farmer's Market? We strive to promote healthy eating and provide quality, fresh and wholesome food. Additionally, on several occasions throughout our operating season, our City of Wayne Parks and Recreation Department as well as local businesses have provided fitness and nutritional information to Wayne Farmers' Market customers in the form of on site demonstrations, evaluations, and printed literature.
Has the recession impacted your business, and if so, how have you adapted? Yes, I believe to some degree. We've encourage our vendors to offer their lowest market-competitive prices to our customers. It's also important to understand that the produce you're purchasing at a farmers' market was picked either just that morning or the night before, providing you with the freshest fruits and vegetables around. These perishable goods haven't been sitting on a truck or train for several days. Because they have been picked so recently they're not only going to last longer - thereby saving you money! - but the nutritional value hasn't been depleted in the long transit. And without a doubt, everything will taste better too!
What are people most surprised about your market? Wayne Farmers' Market customers are delighted to see not only our vast selection of fresh produce and flowers but also a variety of vendors offering fresh breads and baked goods, smoked meats and fish, jams, salsas, seasonings, as well as quality crafts and weekly entertainment. Last but not least we have Mr. Bill Besso on the BBQ Grill doing up burgers, dogs, chicken, bratwurst and in-season corn on the cob! All of this makes for a low-key, fun, and relaxing shopping environment.
Anything else to add? Our market takes place every Wednesday from 3:00-7:00pm through October 28th and is located at the State Wayne Theater, 35310 Michigan Ave. West, just west of Wayne Rd. http://www.ci.wayne.mi.us/farmers_market.shtml
For more info: Visit Wayne Farmers' Market website
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