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Market History

Discover the Holland Farmers Market’s history and legacy.

A lot has changed since the Holland Farmers Market officially opened in 1979 with a small handful of local farmers selling produce on folding tables in the Civic Center parking lot. But over 45 years later, our roots haven’t changed. We’re still grown from the same seeds today: hard-working farmers, fresh food, and a love for our local community.

Our History

Explore the story of the Holland Farmers Market and discover why our deep roots continue to impact us today.

1847

Holland is founded. Two square blocks between 10th and 12th Streets are set aside for a European-style Market Square. This idea never becomes popular, and the land is transformed into Centennial Park in 1876. (Photo Courtesy of the Holland Museum)

1850’s

Market Days begin. Held in May and November each year, Market Days bring area farmers to Downtown Holland to sell and barter goods, animals, and tools. Known for rowdy crowds, foul language, and frequent fights, by 1882 the Holland City News calls the event a “humbug.” (Photo from Hope College Archives)

1885

The first annual Holland Fair is held near present-day Kollen Park, combining “the usual sports races of a county fair” with the livestock auctions and machinery displays of Market Day. 10,000 people attend. The Fair is held annually through 1930. (Photo Courtesy of the Holland Museum)

1933

The first annual educational Farmers Day is held at the Holland Armory to nurture “a friendly neighborhood spirit between city and farm folk.” (Photo Courtesy of the Holland Museum)

1977

Old Fashioned Days is held on 8th Street, with local farmers bringing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables downtown. Events included cow-milking, horse and buggy rides, and contests for beard-growing and old-fashioned dress. The event is a hit and takes place again in 1978. (Photo courtesy of Holland City News)

1979

Local co-op owner Judy Lukich receives permission from the City of Holland to start a regular downtown farmers market. From July through September, the market is held every Saturday in the Civic Center parking lot. (Photo courtesy of the Holland Museum)

1983

The City of Holland takes over full operation of the market, now the Holland Municipal Farmers Market.

2004

Construction on a new $1.67 million market space on 8th Street with a permanent canopy, brick paving, and an extension of snowmelt begins. The design has space for 100 vendor stalls, water and electrical access, and a food court for mobile vendors.

2018

With the renovation of Holland Civic Center Place, space is set aside for an indoor winter market each year. From January through early April, vendors offer greenhouse-grown produce, baked goods, syrup, jams, meat, cheese, and more.

Present

A destination for locals and visitors alike, twice a week the Holland Farmers Market offers farm-fresh foods, activities for kids, programming for all ages, and so much more.

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© Holland Farmers Market

150 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
616.355.1138

For more information email

info@hollandfarmersmarket.com

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