By Lyn Ward Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — It was truly a day of celebration at the Plymouth Farmers’ Market  last Saturday. Perfect weather greeted a record-setting day for the fourth year of the market—not only in terms of vendors but shoppers, as well. Demolition of the G&G grocery store continued in the background as the skyline changed before their eyes.
Market Manager Tom Keb was overwhelmed; every vendor space was filled. The regulars were on board — Paul Haisley, Tiffany Reichard with Wondrous Wheat & Other Treats, the Neffs, Carol Blake, Kari Chittenden, Janice Hurford, John and Mari Vogel. They all wanted their spaces back and Keb made sure they got them and had a good day.

Sweets could be had from one new vendor, Sharri Shively of Sharri’s Sweet Shoppe. Another new vendor, C & D Family Farms from Knox offered all natural farm-raised, free-range pork.
Many shoppers commented on the market closing in to accommodate the demolition. It seemed more friendly—and less walking. As the demolition continues, what exists will be the footprint of the market.
The dogs liked it, too. There were greyhounds, Vizlas and Labradors on hand to greet the day. June 14 will provide a day to celebrate pets as well as honor Father’s Day.
The PFM Advisory Board sold petunias for 25 cents for moms to plant. Chris Felke provided hardy plants at a considerable break. Alice Ruiz, advisory board member, assisted her granddaughter as she collected quarters. Many went home with handfuls of them.
“We’re going to plant them. Mom already has some at home,” chuckled Summer Smith, who came with her friends and mom.
“It was so good to see the relationships with other vendors,” said John Vogel, a vendor since the inception with his wife Mari. “It’s about friends, the earth and coming together as a community.”
Founder Jerry Nikitas was on hand  and was very pleased to see the advisory board stayed true to its mission providing a venue for local producers that the fourth-year opening was the largest and best and had stability go to into the future in perpetuity.
“Kudos to the Redevelopment Commission and the city of Plymouth and Mayor (Mark) Senter for their support and vision for a downtown river-side park in the future,” he commented.   
This Saturday, the market is featuring “Sheep to Shawl” with a sheep shearing by Bob Williamson, hand spinning of the wool for youngsters with Vera Tiani, a spinning demonstration and a final product offered by Vickie Cook. The Master Gardener program will be on hand with “Composting and Improving your Soil.”
Not-for-profits are still invited to participate as are new vendors. Free booth space to not-for-profit groups or school clubs is an opportunity to hold a fundraiser. All organizations are limited to one Saturday per month in order to offer all service clubs a fair opportunity to sell their items and achieve a successful fundraiser.
Vendor applications for the market are available from the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce (574-936-2323). The market is held Saturdays from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the G & G parking lot at Garro and River streets, east of Michigan Street.