April 22, 2009

MIDLAND, MICH. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites Michigan food and agriculture companies to showcase their products in a special “Taste of Michigan” tent at the Michigan Antique and Collectible Festival, May 30-31, 2009, at the Midland County Fairgrounds. This is the first of several special events planned for 2009 to highlight Michigan food and agriculture products.

The Michigan Antique and Collectible Festival is the largest event of its kind. The festival attracts thousands each year, and features about 1,000 vendors annually. Each show injects over $2.2 million into the local economy, and utilizes many local charities and groups (including Boy Scouts, 4-H and the Red Cross) to help them raise money for their various causes. This is the first year for the “Taste of Michigan” tent and will feature Michigan specialty food companies from across the state sampling and selling their products.

“MDA is pleased to partner with the Michigan Antique and Collectible Festival to showcase Michigan specialty food products,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. “Consumers are demanding locally grown and processed products to help support our farmers, local communities, and Michigan businesses.”

Vendor space is open to any Michigan grower, specialty food processor or non-food agricultural product producer (wool, herb or soy-based products, etc.). The market has space for up to 25 vendors who produce and sell Michigan farm products and specialty foods. 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.

The deadline for reserving exhibit space is Thursday, April 30. Specially priced 10’ x 10’ vendor spaces are available inside the tent for $50 per space and include entry wrist bands for two people. Additional wrist bands are available at $5 for one day or $10 for both days. Tables are also available to rent for $10 each, or vendors can bring their own tables. Show hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. All vendors must participate for the entire two-day show.

Food and agriculture vendors interested in participation should contact Jeanne Hausler, at 517-373-9790 or hauslerj@michigan.gov. For more information about the Michigan Antiques and Collectibles Festival, visit www.miantiquefestival.com. For more information about agricultural tourism in Michigan and a listing of 2009 events and activities, visit www.michigan.gov/agtourism.