June 13, 2013 Opening Day of the Farmers Market 21 Vendors Approximately 622 attendees Included live music and P&R make a kite Activity
Vendors at the Market Alexander Farm Mkt LLCMaiz Mexican CantinaSpicy Mike’s Seasonings Brewed AwakeningsMichigan Garlic FarmStreptochaphus Burda’s BerriesNemeth Greenhouse & FarmsSuchman Swine Sausage CandletopiaNightshade Army IndustriesTwo Guys Catering Celtic DairyO-R Olive OilWoodturning by Mike Ed’s BreadPaw-La’s PantryZilke Vegetable Farm Frederick C. PrincePenny’s CakesSilvio Organic Ristorante Gardenland GreenhousePrairie Home & Garden Good Times Kettle CornProschaska Farms & Greenhouse Grace Savory & SweetRoots & Shoots Youth Farm Jar Head Salsa & Tortilla ChipSaline Flowerland, Inc. Kapnick OrchardsScott Mitchell Kniffen Family FarmScott-Tish Bee/Gouge Farms LLC Lutz OrchardsSimply Grapevine 35 Rotating Vendors in All – Average of 18 Vendors per Market
Approximate Market Attendance June 13 th – 622 (Opening Day) June 20 th – 380September 5 th – 357 June 27 th – 180 (Severe Storm)September 12 th – 356 July 1 st – No MarketSeptember 19 th July 11 th – 412September 26 th July 18 th – 312October 3 rd July 25 th – 398October 10 th August 1 st – 513 (Saline Fiddlers) August 8 th – 431 August 15 th – 327 August 22 nd – 354 August 29 th – 380 * 413 does not include severe storm Average Market Attendance: June, July, & August – 413 * September – 348 October - 243
Survey Results Residents Number of Respondents – 170 Percentage that Attended Market – 36% Percentage that Enjoyed Market – 96% Comments: – Residents that lived close to the Market, like the location, other indicated too far or traffic too heavy on Michigan Avenue – Many would like more advertising and reminders – More vendors – Happy with the activities and selection – Other all response of those who attended was positive and happy to have a Market of their own in Pittsfield Township. Survey Results Vendors Number of Respondents – 13 Percentage located within 10 miles– 69% Percentage that Enjoyed Market – 75% Percentage that felt Thursday were a good day to hold the Market – 91% Comments: – 50% liked the location, 50% felt Michigan Avenue has too much traffic – Happy with the activities and selection – 80% of Vendors would like to return next year – More signs and advertising to residents – Happy with hours, possibly shorten – Wants more traffic Survey Results Residents Number of Respondents – 177 Percentage that Attended Market – 37% Percentage that Enjoyed Market – 97% Percentage that Felt Thursdays were a good day to hold the Market – 67% Comments: – Residents that lived close to the Market, liked the location (58%), others did not have an opinion or indicated too far or traffic too heavy on Michigan Avenue – Many would like more advertising and reminders – Some indicated busy schedules and a variety of alternate days, including Saturday/Sunday were proposed – Happy with the activities and selection – Overall response of those who attended was positive and happy to have a Market of their own in Pittsfield Township – Wants more vendors
Recommendations – Conduct a Vendor Forum (tentatively planned Finalize vendor list that provides a variety of produce/products – Plan big kick off of the Market Season in conjunction with the P2P Event – Deploy new Township website to promote and remind residents about the Market – Improve promotion and work with areas schools and senior communities