The Southeast Area Farmers’ Market kicks off its 2013 season on Saturday June 1 at Gerald R Ford Middle School. This Saturday market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the first week of November. Beginning June 7, a Friday Farm Stand Market will take place, on a smaller scale, at Garfield Park from 3 to 7 p.m.

Our Kitchen Table, managers of the market, has an exciting line-up of market activities on the calendar. The following OKT sponsored events will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Saturday market:

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  The Tolbert’s greens were a hit all season long during the 2012 market.

  June 29 Healthy cooking demo with a local chef

• July 6 Urban Foraging Workshop. Learn about local edible “weeds.”
• July 27 Healthy cooking demo with a local chef
• August 3 Make Your Own Hypo-allergenic Soap Workshop

• August 24 Healthy cooking demo with a local chef
• August 31 Healthy cooking demo with a local chef
• September 7 Art at the Market
• September 28 Healthy cooking demo with a local chef
• October 12 Greens Cook-off and Fried Green Tomato Festival
• October 26 Food Day Activities and Healthy cooking demo with a local chef

On June 22, the market will host its official Grand Opening Celebration with special activities and music—and a greater selection of fresh, locally grown chemical-free produce. Market partners, Kent County Health Department and Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council will host additional market activities throughout the season.