Pies, Vendors and More Await at Farmers Market

If you need a reason to head out to Saturday's Power Road Winter Farmers Market at , the "Homemade From Scratch" pie contest should be high on your list.

Market master Jean Smith said nine entries have been received. A panel of judges, consisting of Cindy Baran and Jesse Eisenhuth of The Henry Ford, Detroit News food writer Kate Lawson, Farmington Observer editor Stacy Jenkins, former Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market master Scott Stevenson, U.S. Department of Agriculture representative Steven Craig, Just Baked owner Pam Turkin and Farmington Patch editor Joni Hubred-Golden, will begin evaluating the entries around 11:30 a.m.

Bakers are competing for a grand prize that includes a $100 Whole Foods gift card and a recyclable grocery bag filled with groceries. One runner-up will receive a $25 gift card. All contestants will receive recyclable grocery bags from Whole Foods.

Among the vendors at this week's market, Smith said, will be newcomer Elderberry Heaven, offering organic elderberry extract. George Mado of Troy will be back providing on-site sharpening and repairs, Smith said.

Aline's Soy Candles of Burton, MI, will bring uniquely scented candles again this week. Smith said the homemade, 100 percent soy candles burn cleanly, leaving absolutely no residue.

Locally based Relic Soaps offers beautiful, handcrafted artisan soaps, Smith said. And Itza Bloomin' Chocolate Company's hand-dipped chocolates and truffles are a favorite of Smith's daughter, Taylor—especially the Oreo cookie flavor.

"She always gets a stash of those before the market opens," Smith said.

Other vendors include Earth's Legacy (herbs, teas, greenery and more), Photography by Vicki (framed art and photo cards), Pottery by Carol (handmade pottery), James Creek Sutlery (organic custom spice blends), Cheeky Monkey (organic coffee, coffee beans and baked goods), Cookie Cutter Tweets & Treat the Dog (handmade dog treats and bird feeders), Kapnick Orchards (baked goods, jams, jellies, cider and apples) and Olive Grove (olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pastas and more). Bellwether Farms, offering all-natural lamb and wool fiber products and a raw milk cow-share program, and Garden Gate Farms, with grass-fed pork, beef, chicken, eggs and organic produce, will also be back.

The market, located inside the dance studio at 23020 Power Rd. in Farmington, is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The next Winter Market on March 5 will be a Children's Fun Day with free balloons and apples, a story hour and special children's market basket.

For more information, contact Smith at 810-672-9905.