Huss Project Farmer’s Market opens Saturday in Three Rivers

The Huss Project Farmer’s Market returns Saturday for its seventh season, bringing local produce, baked goods, artisan products and community programming to Three Rivers.

The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from June through September at the Huss Project Pavilion, 1008 Eighth St. The market is expected to feature 29 vendors from across Southwest Michigan this season.

On the second Saturday of each month, the market will also feature art vendors, live music, food trucks and other special events and activities.

The market’s opening comes after months of public discussion surrounding a proposal to launch a second farmers market at Scidmore Park. The proposal sparked debate among city officials, vendors, and residents about whether Three Rivers could support two markets. In May, the Downtown Development Authority voted against formally pursuing the proposed market, leaving the Huss Project market as the city’s primary recurring farmers market.

Since launching in 2020, the market has grown from 11 vendors to 29 vendors this season, according to Huss Farm Manager and market co-manager Margaret Wenger.

“The market has grown significantly since our first season in 2020. Each year we’ve added new vendors and special events. We started with just 11 vendors and we have 29 vendors planning to sell at the market this season,” Wenger said. “The market has become a gathering place for so many in our community. It’s exciting to see people from all backgrounds come together around local food and products.”

The market is part of The Huss Project, a community-centered organization housed in the former Huss Elementary School. In June 2009, *culture is not optional (*cino) purchased the building through the help of a crowdfunding campaign for $75,000. Since then, the site has become a hub for community initiatives, including a community garden that later expanded into the Huss Farm, food and clothing drives, and the farmers market.

The market offers more than fresh produce. Vendors will sell products ranging from fresh-cut flowers and baked goods to soaps, honey, seasonings and pet treats.

“Beyond the fresh produce options, market-goers will have an awesome selection of products to shop from like fresh-cut flowers, handcrafted soaps and body care products, artisan dog treats, seasoning mixes, laundry detergents, honey … I could go on and on!” market co-manager Beca Welty wrote in an email. “There’s truly something for everyone at the market, and it’s a fantastic place to support local farmers, makers and small businesses.”

Opening day will feature live music from Liz Montgomery of LVNMUZIQ, a Three Rivers folk singer-songwriter. According to the Huss Project, Montgomery is known for blending storytelling and folk influences in her performances.

Huss officials say the market is intended to strengthen community connections while supporting local farmers, makers, and food producers.

“It has become more than shopping — it’s meant access to fresh locally grown food, connections to area farmers and makers, live art and music, and space for joyful outdoor activity,” the Huss Project states on its website.

This season’s vendors include local farms, bakeries and specialty producers such as Corey Lake Orchards, Jake’s Country Meats, West Michigan Pasta & Provisions, Tilmann Bros Gluten-Free Bakery and the Huss Project Farm, along with more than two dozen other vendors from across Southwest Michigan.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.

This article has been updated to reflect the correct purchase amount for the Huss Elementary School and additional details regarding The Huss Project. The update was made at 6:25 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.