I wanted a farmers market in the Creston neighborhood because… I wanted to support small, local businesses. Nah, it was because I value farmers and providing fresh, local produce to the community. Okay maybe it was because I wanted to strengthen the local economy. That’s what I tell myself anyways. The truth is, I wanted a farmers market I could walk to because I hate driving. Fulton Street is an amazing market, but also crowded. Sometimes it feels like I’m a cattle being shuttled down the aisles, devoid of any free will. Most importantly, I’m allergic to parallel parking.
Creston is a historically redlined neighborhood in the city of Grand Rapids. That’s another way of saying we’ve had some disadvantages economically, but it also contributes to the uniqueness of the neighborhood. If I could describe what I love about Creston in one word, it would be “community.” The Creston community is one like no other. People talk to each other, help each other, and say hi when they see each other at events. The farmers market would not have been possible without such an active and involved community.
There were also a few dozen core individuals that contributed to the success of the market. Ashley, Daisy, Kylie, Kyle, & Gregg formed the core of the committee that secured the City High parking lot, contacted vendors, marketed, designed content, helped vendors set up and take down, and much, much more. We also have to thank the heart of the market, the vendors themselves. We had a solid number of people who agreed to every market date right from the start. Personally, I would have asked questions like “What are your credentials? Have you ever organized a farmers market before? Have you ever organized anything before?” Thank goodness they believed in us.
There were also many more individuals and businesses that contributed to the market. City Middle High School allowed us to use their parking lot. River North Public House supplied hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards to incentivize walking or biking. The North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority donated funds needed to get the market running. The Grand Rapids Food Co-op provided volunteers to table, market, and assist with vendors. The Creston Neighborhood Association advertised, stored signs, tables, chairs, and were an integral connection to various resources in the community.
Looking back, I’m filled with such pride over the Creston Farmers Market. People showed up to buy from vendors. Vendors showed up with produce, flowers, baked goods, artisan crafts, and hot food. La Huasteca was there every market with their tamales and breakfast burritos to tide them over after being kicked out of their storefront unexpectedly. The bike rack was full of people who biked in. Friendly faces and neighbors showed up and stayed to mingle week after week. We were on the news twice!
Objectively, our first ever farmers market was a success, but it wasn’t easy mentally or physically. There were huge sighs of relief from all of us when people started showing up for our opening day. There were more sighs when people showed up at the second, third, and then fourth market. There were many clenched cheeks when a thunderstorm was in the forecast, but the weather ended up being perfect that day. Even if it had been a failure, that would have been okay. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. In all seriousness, I would have been lying on the ground crying and throwing up if narry a single soul showed up to the opening date.
All this to say, community can come together to do incredible things. We are so grateful for every single person that contributed to the market. Whether you told a friend about it, shared a Facebook post, liked us on Instagram, bought from the market, just stopped by to say hello, or showed up at 7:30am to help vendors set up (thanks John Benedict from the Good Good Good), we hold gratitude in our hearts for you. Thank you to everyone who played a part, large or small, in contributing to the success of the first of hopefully many Creston Farmers Markets.
If you’re reading this and feel inspired to start something in your neighborhood, my advice is to just go for it. Chances are, there will be others who share similar aspirations who will show up to support your goals. Grand Rapids has many neighborhood organizations, grants, and individuals who are just itching to help make their world a better place to live. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun.