One of the benefits of living in Grand Rapids is going to the Fulton Street Farmers Market. Located at 1147 Fulton Street East, the Fulton Street Farmers Market has provided farm fresh goods directly to residents every Sunday for over 90 plus years.

In 2005, the Fulton Street Farmers Market enhanced its cultural scope by adding the Grand Rapids Fulton Street Artisan Market. Opening June 1st, 2014, the Fulton Street Artisan Market has become the premier event to allow art vendors to sell their crafts to the public. The Artisan Market has benefited by being in the exact location as the Farmers Market. The Farmers Market exclusive location at the facility on 1147 Fulton Street allows all customers to the Farmers Market the chance to also see artisan vendors. In addition, the Artisan Market attracts people who may not have participated in the Farmers Market, helping both institutions earn new and regular customers. In 2013, the Fulton Street Artisan Market had over 300 vendors and is expected to increase for the 2014 season starting again on June 1st.

Vendors at the Fulton Street Artisan Market can come from all walks of craftsmanship. Vendors can sell acrylic paintings, themed jewelry, clay pottery, handmade silverware, and natural bath and body lotions. Vendors can sign up for a seasonal booth during the farmer’s market season or they can rent a booth for a particular Sunday. Seasonal booths are given away before the season starts and vendors from the previous year have a chance to re-new their spots first. If a vendor wants to rent per Sunday, then they can apply for a spot for the particular Sunday they want. The vendors are chosen by a lottery.

New residents to Grand Rapids can use the Fulton Street Artisan Market as a great platform to meet local residents in the region. In addition, if a new resident has an artistic side, they can apply for an opportunity to be a vendor at the Fulton Street Artisan Market. There, they can meet like minded artists around the community, meet customers from around the region, and potentially collaborate artistically with other artisans. From the beginning to mid Sunday of June until the end of September, the people of Grand Rapids can enjoy both the Farmers Market and the crafts from vendors at the Artisan Market. For more information, visit www.grartmarket.com/