Nighttime Farmers Market returns to Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK — In 2020, one of the bright spots amid the pandemic was the Marigold Project. The walk-through art exhibit was built in Hazel Park from thousands of flower blooms, many of which came from the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative.

The event organizers were so thankful to MUFI that the following year, they started the Nighttime Farmers Market, which was held at the end of summer and start of fall. The market was arranged by the West End Hazel Park Business Coalition and featured farmers from MUFI selling fresh produce. Proceeds supported MUFI’s network of volunteers, who feed people in need in Detroit.

Now the Nighttime Farmers Market is back. The markets typically take place every other Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. in the vacant lot just east of Richard Gage Design Studio at 425 W. Nine Mile Road in Hazel Park. The remaining dates are Aug. 24, Sept. 7, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12. The last two dates are the only ones that will happen in back-to-back weeks.

On Oct. 15, a few days after the last market, the 2022 Marigold Project will be unveiled at the same location. The seeds have already been distributed to gardeners and farmers across the metro Detroit area. Closer to the event, the blooms will be collected and assembled. Organizers said that there are plans to get the public involved in its assembly, but details were not available at press time.

As for MUFI itself, the nonprofit operates across 3 acres of land in the New Center district of Detroit. The fruits and vegetables grown there are donated to people in the neighborhood who might not have the means to buy fresh produce on a regular basis.

Russell Oddo is the market manager, as well as a volunteer with the Marigold Project. He said in an email that MUFI is the only produce vendor at the Nighttime Farmers Market, since the event is meant to support MUFI. However, there are usually other vendors selling items such as fine art, jewelry, flowers, baked goods and pet supplies. 

“All produce from MUFI is by donation only, and 100% of (each sale) goes directly to the farm,” Oddo said. “All other vendors set their own prices for themselves.”

The event continues to add vendors based on available space. Oddo said interested vendors should text message him at (586) 214-1334. There is no cost to participate, but donations to MUFI and the Marigold Project are appreciated.

Richard Gage — the artist namesake and owner of Richard Gage Design Studio — is one of the driving forces behind the Marigold Project. He partnered with Alexandra Virginia Martin, sculptor and founder of anhelo anhelo — a resource for artists — on the exhibit. Together, they also started the market.

“MUFI’s goals and vision of community align with Alex’s and mine for the Marigold Project: Bring like-minded people together to build relationships and friendships in a supportive environment,” Gage said in an email. “We want to have a fun time, to offer a break from anyone’s nighttime routine, and to keep it casual and low pressure.”

To this end, there will be live entertainment on each date sponsored by BDT Smoke Shops in Hazel Park. Performers include Victoria Da Silva (Aug. 24), Emily Rose (Sept. 7), Audra Kubat (Sept. 21), Tad Krear (Oct. 5) and Michelle Held (Oct. 12).

“These are professional musicians who have been chosen specifically for our market,” Gage said. “Music ranges from folk to bossa nova to acoustic classic rock. The market is a very grassroots initiative for all involved, and patrons can feel that vibe (in the music).”

Gage said the overall effect of the Nighttime Farmers Market is more than the sum of its parts. He said that it’s a space where people can feel good about themselves and their neighbors.    

“Yes, we have a purpose — vegetables (for a cause),” Gage said. “But we are really providing a space for acceptance of who you are, and what you want to be.”