[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PITTSFIELD CHARTER 
                        TOWNSHIP FARMER'S MARKET

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 11, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the organizers 
and vendors of the Pittsfield Charter Township Farmers Market. For the 
past five years, the market has provided a forum for the community to 
come together and offered a wide variety of goods from local producers.
  Originally founded in 2012, the Pittsfield Farmer's Market serves the 
community at large by offering locally produced goods to residents of 
Pittsfield Charter Township and surrounding areas. Several dozen 
vendors, all based less than 40 miles away from the market, gather each 
week on Thursday to offer a variety of goods, including local produce, 
artisan bread and baked goods, honey, fresh pasta and pasture-raised 
meats. The vendors are vetted to ensure a wide range of goods are 
served and to further Pittsfield's commitment to supporting local 
Michigan growers while providing access to healthy and natural foods. 
The market also hosts free events each week like live music 
performances, tips from a certified Master Gardener and public safety 
demonstrations. These activities, along with the wide variety of vendor 
offerings, have established the market as a key pillar in the southeast 
Michigan community, with over 8,000 guests visiting these attractions 
in 2016.
  The Pittsfield Farmer's Market's growth and development has helped 
engage the community while supporting local businesses. The success of 
the market has empowered Michigan growers while providing high-quality 
produce and goods to visitors, and the gathering space in nearby 
Prairie Park has served as an important forum for events and 
presentations hosted by the market participants. Collectively, these 
have helped create a strong sense of community while engaging and 
educating visitors. The growth and development over the last five years 
underscores the value ofthe services that the market provides, and it 
is my hope that the market continues to experience success while 
effectively serving nearby residents in the coming years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Pittsfield Farmer's Market on the fifth anniversary of its founding. 
The market has been a tremendous success through its offering of local 
products and promotion of community interaction.

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