Yale Farmers Market revived in new location this year

By Barbara Brown Stasik

The Yale Expositor

YALE — A brand new season for the Yale Farmers Market kicked off on Wednesday, May 27 — with a huge turnout of vendors and customers — at a new location in the middle of town.

Clintina Moore, the volunteer Farmers Market manager, said her goal was to see people happy, enjoy themselves and have some new vendors.

“I was completely blown away by the support that we received on Wednesday,” she said. 

She decided to use a clicker counter just to see how many people came through the event. 

“I wanted to give us all an idea, and in just over an hour and a half, we had 500 customers walk through. It was truly amazing and exceeded what I thought we could do. I didn’t expect it and people kept coming, so I kept it open until 8 p.m. and people were still shopping.”

Moore said all of the vendors were ecstatic with the support that they received. There were 19 vendors last week and she said several more have called and want to be involved. 

“I feel like the more vendors we have with different items, then the more customers we will continue to have and that helps me help our local vendors and this community.”

We had Gabrielle Farms up front and he is also running a senior fresh program,” said Moore.

Fresh produce each week includes strawberries, zucchini, rhubarb, asparagus and homegrown tomatoes; in two weeks, the produce should all be ready for people to enjoy.

“I want to watch the market grow and help our local people in this area,” Moore said. “I am trying to keep it up so that we have very different items for a range of people. I want to see something really good for my hometown.”

Each week, the market will also have live entertainment with Troy and Dale from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. Moore is also planning other theme weeks, including a special “school’s out” event coming up for kids, as well as food trucks coming each week.

Yale Farmers Market is still accepting new vendors. 

“If you would like to reach out to me at 810-417-9336 vendors can text or call. I will be happy to talk to anyone that would like to join us,” said Moore. Spots start out at $10, depending on space needs.

“We would love to have you,” she said. “Please come see us 3-8 p.m. every Wednesday through October.”

The Yale Farmers Market will be located on West Mechanic Street between Sheldon Pharmacy and the Bulldog Lounge. 

The street will be closed for vendors, so motorists are urged to use caution when driving through downtown Yale.