CROSWELL, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host a "Select Michigan Farmers Market" at the Swinging Bridge Festival, Saturday, August 8, in downtown Croswell. This is the second in a series of events to be held across the state this summer featuring Michigan products at fairs, festivals and other agricultural tourism locations.

"We are excited to partner with the Swinging Bridge Festival and the Croswell Commercial Club to feature a variety of Michigan specialty foods," said MDA Director Don Koivisto. "Bringing Michigan food products to such a successful festival will add to its draw by giving attendees access to local products, and supporting Michigan's economy."

The Swinging Bridge Festival is a three-day festival filled with fun family activities.  This year's festival will take place August 7-9, with a theme of, "A Salute to Agriculture."  As part of the theme, MDA is working with festival planners to coordinate a farmers market on Saturday, August 8.  In addition to the farmers market, activities will include a kids' fishing contest, a canoe race, a classic car show, cardboard boat races, entertainment, a parade, and a fun run, culminating in a concert in the park and a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.  There will also be about 40 craft vendors located along the street in downtown Croswell. The farmers market will be located right in the middle of all the action, along the foot traffic route between the downtown business district and the park along the Black River.

In addition to farmers selling their fresh local produce, Michigan specialty food companies will offer samples and sell their products. Participants include:

- A Little Dip Will Do Ya, Troy (gourmet dips and chillers)
- Bizzy Lizzy Bakery, Hillsdale (gourmet flourless cookies)
- Chartreuse Organic Tea, Trenton (certified organic herbal teas)
- DeYoung's Fore Seasons, Hartland (gourmet spice blends)
- Green Barn Llama Farm, Dimondale (gourmet dessert sauces)
- Safie Specialty Foods Co., Chesterfield (hand-packed specialty pickled products)
- Johnny B's Cookies/Simple Foods, St. Clair Shores (cookies, dessert bars)
- KaChomp Dog Treats, Frankenmuth (handmade dog treats)
- Kapow Soap, Frankenmuth (handmade soaps)
- Malick Farms, Jeddo (certified naturally grown herbs and produce; goat milk soaps and lotions)
- Tom McWilliams Farm, Port Sanilac (locally grown produce)

For more information about the Swinging Bridge Festival, visit www.croswellswingingbridgefestival.com.   For information about upcoming MDA-hosted events at fairs, festivals and other agricultural tourism locations, contact Jeanne Hausler, agricultural tourism program manager, at 517-373-9790 or hauslerj@michigan.gov.

###
 
Find us on Facebook!
Go to www.facebook.comand search for Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Follow MDA on Twitter at MichDeptofAg.