Farmers market, movies and music among
events planned for coming season

By Brian C. Louwers
C & G Staff Writer

WARREN — Residents again won’t have to go far to get fresh vegetables, groceries and flowers this summer.

For a second consecutive year, Warren’s weekly farmers market has already started springing up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday mornings in the Civic Center.

Warren Parks and Recreation Director Henry Bowman said the decision to bring the market back for a second year was an easy one, given its success and popularity last spring and summer.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of the same things, but already we have a lot more vendors,” Bowman said. “There’s frozen fish out there. We have organic coffee. We have organic teas. There’s lots of plants.”

Under former Mayor Mark Steenbergh, the market was viewed as yet another draw to the city’s “downtown” area. Such activities were considered vital to bringing both crowds and attention to the Civic Center, where officials with the Steenbergh administration and the city’s Downtown Development Authority District board set about attempting to create a focal point for community events.

Since taking over as the city’s administrator, Mayor Jim Fouts has openly praised Bowman for his work to establish such programs. A self-proclaimed advocate of healthy foods, Fouts said events like the farmers market serve several purposes for the city and its residents.

“I think the farmers market is a good way to use city resources. I’m a strong believer in fresh foods, and organic foods, and helping Warren residents find healthy alternatives to supermarket foods,” Fouts said. “I think it’s a great idea to encourage everyone to come into the city center.”

Fouts said he favors extending the market to include hours on Wednesday afternoon, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Bowman said the market would host its annual “flower day” on May 18. In honor of Arbor Day last month, Bowman said free trees would be offered to residents at the market, while supplies last.

The market, which opened on May 4, is the first of an array of programs and special events expected to be offered in and around the City Square Park, near City Hall, this spring and summer. Other events include “Warren’s Greatest Garage Sale,” scheduled to be held in the Civic Center’s parking structure May 25-26, a summer movie series in City Square Park, set to begin May 31, and a new lunchtime program featuring live music each Friday, scheduled to begin on June 6.

All of the events are hosted adjacent to City Hall, east of Van Dyke and north of 12 Mile Road, at Common.

For more about events offered through Warren Parks and Recreation, call (586) 268-8400.

You can reach Staff Writer Brian C. Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1089.