Tag Archives: Kentwood Farmers Market

Kentwood Farmers Market to include Back to School Bash and final concert of summer series: Sarena Rae Band

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By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



Summer is coming to an end and the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with its partners for a final summer bash.

This Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kentwood Parks and Rec is hosting a Back to School Bash in conjunction with the final Kentwood Farmers Market of the season located at 4900 Breton SE.

The event also includes the final concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series featuring the Sarena Rae Band.



Sarena Rae Band. (Courtesy, Sarena Rae)



The Back to School Bash includes plenty of activities for students of all grades: a Foam Party, a Bounce House and a petting zoo, along with a number of other games and activities.

There also will be free haircuts and braids provided, free hygiene kits and school supply giveaways. Also, community resource organizations will be on hand, including MSUE (Michigan State University Extension), Catherine’s Health Center, Treetops Collective, Soccer Buddies, the Kent Country Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and more.


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


The Sarena Rae Band is the highlight of the evening with a 7 p.m. starting time. The band was originally scheduled to perform Aug. 15 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series, but inclement weather postponed it to this Thursday.

“I’m so excited about the concert and performing for the students and their families” Rae said. “I was originally supposed to perform two weeks ago, but the concert was postponed due to the inclement weather. It’s actually a blessing in disguise because I am so excited to play for the Back to School Bash and perform for all the families and kids in Kentwood.”

Rae grew up in Grand Rapids and began to develop an interest in music at an early age.

“My mother sang in the church choir and I would tag along with her,” Rae said. “I actually had my first solo at the church when I was five-years old. I knew then that I wanted to be a performer. I’ve always had a love of music. We always had Motown on in our house, and when I was growing up, I always wanted to be a little Diana Ross.”



(Courtesy, Sarena Rae)



Since then, Rae has grown her musical career. She released her original debut single and music video, “You’re Beautiful,” at age 16. In 2019, she recorded her original EP entitled, “Heaven,” and released her EP in the fall of 2020. Last December, Rae released a new Christmas Album.

The Sarena Rae Band has been busy this summer with concerts across the West Michigan area. Rae and her band bring a soulful evening of original music and a variety of well-known songs that concert goers can sing and dance along to. The Sarena Rae Band also recently released a new original song, “Feel So Fine,” on July 26.

“I would say that my style is a mix of pop and R&B,” Rae said. “It is very Motown-inspired for sure. We are going to be playing my original music and some covers that the kids and their families can dance to. The concert will be a good time for everyone.” 

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and take in the concert on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The final Kentwood Farmer’s Market of the season also promises to have a bumper crop of fruits, vegetables and more as the summer harvest is at its peak. Among the vendors that are scheduled to be at the Kentwood Farmer’s Market are Better Place Farm, Big Mitten Coffee, Crème Delights, Daily Indulgence, Golden Tumeric Paste, Grand Rapids Tea Company, Handbreadth Homestead LLC, Irie Kitchen, Latchaw Farms, Loaves and More by Alice, Mandoo (Korean Dumpling), Shalini Farms, Simply Rustic Dough, Sister Bees, Sophrona Teas, Sulugu Shea Butter LLC, Tenneyberry and That Sweet & Nutty Guy.

Food trucks also will be present to satisfy your hunger. Food trucks scheduled to be in attendance include Patty Matters, Tast of Toya’s World, El Jalapeno and Sugary Snowballs. 

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series Kick Off on June 6

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By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2024 season on June 6.

The Farmers Market will run 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 6 through Aug. 29 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.

“We’re looking forward to offering more farm fresh goods and great music for our community to enjoy outside City Hall all summer long,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to shop for local produce and homemade goods or want a fun night out with friends and loved ones discovering a new band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series offer the perfect summer experience.”



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. The market’s season sponsors are JCI South Kent and Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan, and the market’s artisan sponsor is Metronet.


In addition, community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring ten local music groups every Thursday June 6-Aug. 15, skipping July 4 for the annual Kentwood fourth of July Celebration. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.



Brena concert in 2022. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Diamond sponsors of the concert series include NN Autocam, Inc, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.

Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 6: Opening day and 10th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. The Summer Concert Series kicks off with Nathan Walton and the Remedy concert at 7 p.m., playing original soul-rock. Food trucks include PizzaMI, Kool Breze, El Jalapeno and Lazy Man BBQ.
  • June 13:  The Chris Canas Band concert at 7 p.m., performing the blues with food trucks Silver Star Café “Airbourne Burritos,” Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids and Patty Matters.
  • June 20: Grupo Viento concert at 7 p.m., featuring Tejano music. Food trucks include Taste of Toya’s World, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Boujee Bowls and The Falafel Truck.
  • June 27: Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional bike vendors plus a group bike ride. The Summer Concert Series will feature  Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 7 p.m., performing R&B, pop, funk, Top 40 hits, soul and classics. Food trucks include El Global Mobile, Lazy Man BBQ, Furniture City Creamery and Dune Buggy.
  • July 4: No Farmers Market or Summer Concert on July 4, but a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, 5k run, carnival, live music, beer tent and fireworks. Details online at kentwood.us/July4
  • July 11:  Roosevelt Diggs concert at 7 p.m., featuring blend of folk, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock-n-roll. Food trucks include Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kool Breze, Luna Bella’s LLC and Sweet Racks and Smokin Butts BBQ.
  • July 18:  TYPO concert at 7 p.m., playing rock, country, pop and urban favorites. Food trucks include Silver Star Café “Airborne Melts,” PizzaMI, Patty Matters and Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids.
  • July 25:  The Soul Syndicate concert at 7 p.m., performing R&B, funk, soul and Motown medleys. Food trucks include Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, The Falafel Truck, Dune Buggy and PJW Creole Cuisine.
  • Aug. 1:  The Bootstrap Boys concert at 7 p.m., playing a fresh take on classic country. Food trucks include Street Frites, Kool Breze, Boujee Bowls and Casa de los Abuelos.
  • Aug. 8: National Farmers Market Week and Watermelon Mania at the Kentwood Farmers Market.  MexiCuba concert at 7 p.m., featuring mix of Salsa, merengue, bachata and Cuban traditional music. Food trucks include Skinny Kenny’s BBQ, El Jalapeno, Taste of Toya’s World and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack
  • Aug. 15:  The Sarena Rae Band concert at 7 p.m., performing soulful original music plus a variety of covers. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Los Pinches Tacos, Kool Breze and Sanse Filipino Cuisine.
  • Aug. 22: Dog Days of Summer at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional vendors and services for your furry friends. Food trucks Patty Matters and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack will be there.
  • Aug. 19: Back to School Bash at the Kentwood Farmers Market with food trucks Taste of Toya’s World and El Jalapeno.

All concerts will be live-streamed by WKTV Community Media.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE and on-street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

For additional information about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Learn more by watching this video clip: WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.

Kentwood Farmers Market offers exciting special events for all ages in August and September

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(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market has some exciting events planned throughout the rest of the summer, including the annual Charcuterie Challenge, Kids Day and more. 
 

In addition to shopping for delicious, fresh produce and local goods at the market, community members of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy during these special events. Kids Day, the Dog Days of Summer, the third annual Charcuterie Challenge and the End of Season Celebration are on deck for the remainder of the market season. 
 

“Our special events make the market a little extra fun for everyone,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you want to play with pups or show off your charcuterie skills, the Kentwood Farmers Market has an event for you.”


Upcoming August and September events at the market include: 

  • National Farmers Market Week celebration Aug. 10 featuring a food demonstration and food samples as well as food trucks: Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze.
  • Kids Day on Aug. 17 featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo as well as kids crafts and activities. There will be a bubble machine, face painting, food trucks: Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian-Ice and more.
  • Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 24 featuring a variety of dog organizations like Captivated Canine, Paws with a Cause, Dippin’ Dogs and more, along with adoption opportunities through the Humane Society of West Michigan as well as food trucks: Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo.
  • Charcuterie Challenge on Aug. 31 featuring a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients and food trucks: El Jalapeno and Dune Buggy. To enter the contest, fill out the online form at bit.ly/KentwoodCharcuterieChallenge.
  • End of Season Celebration on Sept. 7 featuring food demos and samples as well as food trucks: Patty Matters and Semifreddo.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Farmers Market runs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 7 behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It provides a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more, and features 20-plus local vendors and special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. 

For more information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including links to become a vendor or volunteer, visit KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series kick off on June 15

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(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.

The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:

  • June 15
  • June 22
  • June 29
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27
  • Aug. 3
  • Aug. 10



Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.

Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
  • June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
  • June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
  • July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
  • July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
  • July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
  • July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
  • Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
  • Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
  • Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
  • Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
  • Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
  • Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A  detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.

Additional information about the Kentwood Farmers Market can be found at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com. To learn more about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market

City of Kentwood, West Michigan, ,
(Courtesy City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

Stop by the Kentwood Farmers Market between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. tonight for Bike Night, located behind City Hall at 4900 Breton Rd SE.

Marketgoers will have the opportunity to test ride an e-bike, get a helmet fitting and learn how to fix a flat tire. There will be a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing Company at 6:30 p.m. and riders can get $1 off pours. If you’re interested in joining, plan to pedal on over to the market.

Representatives from Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, League of Michigan Bicyclists and West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA) will be on-site, along with 20-plus market vendors and Kosherfalafeltruck.

Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge returns Thursday, Aug. 25

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Food, ,

By WKTV Staff

The Kentwood Farmers Market will host its second annual Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients, slated for Thursday, Aug. 25.

In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.

A contestant prepares her board during last year’s Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge. (Courtesy)

Five challengers will receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.

The friendly competition will take place during the Farmers Market from 5 to 5:30 p.m. behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the boards will remain on display until 7:30 p.m. Marketgoers can watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.



“We’re excited to have this fun event return to the Kentwood Farmers Market for a second year,” Market Manager Kristina Colby said. “This is a great way for local competitors to show off their talents and the wonderful food offered at the Farmers Market.

“Attendees can expect another action-packed competition full of creativity and beautiful charcuterie board displays.”

Last year’s Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients. (Courtesy)

Bowls by Bob will be on-site selling their charcuterie boards and other handmade wood decor items. An additional 20 vendors will be at the market from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. The Sanse Filipino Cuisine food truck also will be on-site.

 

In its eighth season, the Kentwood Farmers Market provides the community weekly opportunities each summer to buy a variety of goods from local vendors. This year’s market is offered every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. behind Kentwood City Hall.




In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and other special events tied into the market’s schedule.

Here’s the lineup of activities planned for the remaining market dates:

  • Aug. 25: Charcuterie Challenge 
  • Sept. 1: Kid’s Day – meet and greet with the zoo and crafts 
  • Sept. 15: Bike Day – meet local bike vendors
  • Sept. 22: Fall Equinox Day
  • Sept. 29: Harvest Day – live music from Just Jill from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., pumpkin painting and food preserving demonstrations.

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

For more information, visit KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

Kentwood Farmers Market seeks entries for ‘Charcuterie Challenge’ on Aug. 12

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Everybody bonds over food — at the Kentwood Farmers Market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Farmers Market is seeking five competitors for its first-ever Charcuterie Challenge, described in a city statement as “a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients” and slated for Thursday, Aug. 12.

Individuals who are interested in the competition must submit an online application by Monday, Aug. 9. The market will select up to five challengers out of the group of applicants to each receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.

The beauty of food will be on display and the Kentwood Farmers Market’s “Charcuterie Challenge”. (WKTV)

“Charcuterie has become such a fun, popular way to display and enjoy a variety of food,” farmers market manager Kristina Colby said in supplied material. “We are looking forward to seeing all the creative ways challengers showcase local foods found at the Kentwood Farmers Market and use the beautiful, handmade charcuterie boards Handcrafted by Fellow is suppling for the competition.”

 

In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.

The “friendly” competition will take place during the Farmers Market, from 5-5:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the boards will remain on display until 7:30 p.m. Marketgoers can watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.

Handcrafted by Fellows, a husband-and-wife duo, will be on-site selling their charcuterie boards and other handmade wood decor items. An additional 20 vendors will be at the market, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. Food trucks El Jalapeño and Ohana Hawaiian Ice will also be on-site. Live music entertainment by Just Jill will be available 6-7 p.m.

In its seventh season, the Kentwood Farmers Market provides the community weekly opportunities each summer to buy a variety of goods from local vendors. This year’s market is offered every Thursday, 4:30-7:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall. In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and special events tied into the market’s schedule.

Other special events planned in August include: On Aug. 19, Makers and Crafters Day featuring more than 40 vendors, with a free concert at 7 p.m. featuring The Soul Syndicate; and on Aug. 26, free yoga at 6 p.m.

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
 

More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

Bootstrap Boys brings ol’ country music with modern bite to Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Bootstrap Boys will be pulling up to Kentwood this week. (Supplied/Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The best way to describe The Bootstrap Boys — this week’s offering as part of the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts, on Thursday, July 8, at 7 p.m. — is  probably to get out of the way and let them do the talkin’.

“This is country music, just like we know how to make it,” the band says on its website. “It comes from days of hard work, nights in the honky-tonk, and mornings in the church. The songs have a distinct flavor of the workin’ man, folks with dirt on their hands, good times, bad times, drinkin’, druggin’, lovin’, livin’ on the road, and what a friend we have in Jesus.”

‘Nuf said. (But if you need more, check out their website at thebootstrapboys.com.)

And just in case you want another opinion:

“The Bootstrap Boys are singlehandedly reviving country music in West Michigan both in attitude as well as song,” Luke Sass, promotional manager for Founders Brewing Company, says on the band’s website. “The band’s ability to tell stories indicative of a life lived on the razor’s edge is only eclipsed by the ease with which they connect to their audiences.”

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald. (The Soul Syndicate night has been rescheduled for Aug. 19.)

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. The concerts will also be available on WKTV cable channels the following Tuesday at 9 p.m., and the next weekend on Saturday at 12:30 and 7 p.m. See the WKTV On-air Schedule for details.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Responding to community interest, Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returned for summer of food, fun (and music!)

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Kentwood Farmers Market manager Kristina Colby on opening day 2021. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.

“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”

The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.

In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.

“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

City of Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returns June 3 with special activities, concerts planned

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The Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s summer farmers market. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced this week that the Kentwood Farmers Market will return for its seventh season Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Vendors of all types will be active at the City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market. (WKTV)

The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items, according to the statement.

“We are looking forward to welcoming community members back to the Farmers Market for another season with a great lineup of vendors and special activities,” Kristina Colby, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “Please join us this season for fun outdoors connecting with and supporting our local farmers and vendors.”

In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping.

(In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.)

The schedule of free classes, special events and concerts includes:

The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

June 3: Yoga class at 6 p.m.

June 10: Meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

June 17: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.

June 24: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Soul Syndicate

July 1: Hip-hop fit class at 6 p.m.

July 8: Herb demonstration 4:30-7:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. – The Bootstrap Boys

July 15: Concert at 7 p.m. – Benzing Graves Collective

July 22: Concert at 7 p.m. – Dalmatian Stone

July 29: Concert at 7 p.m. – David Gerald

Aug. 5: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Accidentals (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

Aug. 19: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

Kentwood’s pop-up farmers market to help community greet the fall season on Oct. 1

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The Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s summer pop-up farmers market. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s Pop-up Farmers Market returns this week with a fall event that not only brings the seasons’s bountiful agricultural harvest and beautiful colors to town but also allows the public to reconnect with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and its various actives and efforts.

Following its successful summer pop-up farmers market, another free and open-to-the-public market is planned for Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, located at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

While there will be a host of local vendors offering fresh and locally produced food and other items, as well as a meal available from Street Chef Shaw, the city’s parks and recreation department will deliver something of its own.

“The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department not only organizes Farmers Market events, but also participates,” Kristina Colby, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said to WKTV. “With our own booth set up at the Kentwood Farmers Market, we’re able to talk with residents about upcoming events and programs. We love any opportunity to engage with our community about the wide variety of enriching experiences we offer for people of all ages and abilities.”

But, of course, there are all those other great reasons to pay the farmers market a visit.

The outdoor event will feature a variety of seasonal items from nearly 20 vendors, including pumpkins, gourds, produce, microgreens, cheese, jams, honey, mushrooms, baked goods and more. Street Chef Shaw will be serving tacos and quesadillas.

Marketgoers will be required to wear masks when walking through the market and interacting with vendors. There will also be a counterclockwise traffic flow, according to the statement from the city. The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts Bridge cards and P-EBT, as well as SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

“Our Pop-Up Farmers Market offers community members an opportunity to get outside to enjoy the nice, fall weather and have fun exploring a variety of fresh and locally produced food,” Colby said. “We welcome everyone to step outside and join us to shop for great seasonal products from a safe distance to support local farmers, food producers and vendors.”

For more information on the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and it activities, visit here.