Oakland County Farmers Market — Local services in Waterford Township

Disclaimer: I've only had an unpleasant experience with this vendor. The other vendors are friendly & fair and I do plan on visiting again.

I recently visited our county's farmer's market after my shift ended at 0800am. I approached the raw honey vendor and noticed that there was an older white male & possibly his daughter or granddaughter speaking with the seller, so I quietly stood behind them thinking they were in the midst of closing their business transaction. After about a full minute into what I confirmed was "not" a business conversation but a personal chit chat, I decided to visibly show the vendor that I was indeed ready to purchase an item. I leaned over the counter to see the price for the honey, I then unzipped my purse - took out the exact amount of money ($15.00) - and counted it bill by bill, kept it in my hand and gave him direct eye contact. After about an additional 30 seconds of conversation and watching me do all of that (yes I saw him), he breaks his gaze with me (at this point, I'm looking dead in his eyes), turns his head back to the older gentleman & continues his conversation as if I'm not there. So now that I "know" my business is not important to him, I place my money back into my pocketbook & walk off towards the end of the row of vendors to see if there's anyone else selling honey - there wasn't. I then turn around and have to walk past this vendor again. Now that his two visitors are gone, he waits for me to walk by before he says loudly "good morning!" I continued walking by without so much as a glance in his direction. I made a decision to take the high road that day. Not only was he highly disrespectful but I was also very tired, which would've turned ugly for him. Did I mention I was also wearing my county uniform? In my mind when county employees show their own market support, there should've been a certain level of respect & appreciation shown. I will definitely advise others of his behavior and to steer clear of him and spend their money where it's...

I do half of my grocery shopping at the Oakland County Farmer's Market! Seasonal produce, maple syrup, eggs, and meat from farms you can trust, LOTS of plants too, like this amazing delphinium. I even bought my comforter here, local wool!

I look for regenerative, pesticide free, or organic farms but I would say most are not. If you're not sure, ask them! Either way buying local produce over stuff shipped from California/ Mexico/ far away makes a difference in taste and environmental impact, supports local business, and strengthens our local food system.

This Farmer's Market is unique because it is open 3 days a week (Tues, Thurs, Sat), has a building for indoor vendor space, permanent outdoor awning structure, and is open all year. Saturdays are the biggest days - largest selection. Thursdays are small/med sized, larger in the seasonal produce high season (July - Sept). Tuesdays are small. The whole market shrinks in the winter to fit inside the building and is mostly crafts and meat since produce is not in season. Most vendors are cash only, some with more expensive products (like meat) accept card. There is an ATM in the building or one right down County Center Dr. Lots of parking, definitely give this...

Choosing to visit on a Thursday was a wise choice to avoid the crowds. I believe that benefit came with the cost of fewer vendors, however. Being a first-time visitor I can only speculate. There were lots of empty tables inside and out. That being said, all of the vendors seemed very friendly and helpful, and the produce looked absolutely amazing. We were surprised to find many other items as well, such as artwork, soaps, and other lifestyle goods. Prices are justifiable, keeping in mind that we're supporting local farmers and their families. It's not the best deal in town, but they have to pay for their space and earn a profit on their goods as well as operate their farms. They don't get a paycheck every week to survive on. I wish Oakland County could figure out a way to keep the Market open on more days for more hours, and keep more vendors there full-time. But, I'm glad it's there when it is. We left with some nice perennials as well as the produce we came for. Would definitely recommend and will be a...