DDA to take over operation of Tecumseh Farmers Market

Farmers market during the 2025 season.

By HERALD STAFF

The Tecumseh Farmers Market will be operated by Tecumseh’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) starting this year. The board of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) will transfer financial and operational responsibilities for the Tecumseh Farmers Market to the DDA following discussions between GLCC leadership and the DDA focused on ensuring long-term sustainability and continued growth of the market, according to a press release dated February 3.

The popular Tecumseh Farmers Market was established in 2015 on the Market on Evans property at 213 N. Evans St., following a process that transformed a former lumber yard into a gathering space to offer both farmers market and community activities from May through October as well as other seasonal events. The chamber was once operated by the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce before the Tecumseh and Adrian chambers merged in January 2022.

Early on the Market on Evans was supported by a successful Public Spaces Community Places campaign, with the Tecumseh DDA securing $20,000 in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Continued investment followed with a $72,000 USDA grant awarded to the city of Tecumseh in 2018, and in 2023 the City of Tecumseh and Tecumseh DDA invested over $25,000 in three food truck electrical pedestals, in addition to lighting and electrical upgrades for the market to expand into a thriving community asset, the press release stated. 

More than 25,000 visitors attend the Tecumseh Farmers Market annually, with approximately 1,000 guests each Saturday. In the 10 seasons it has been in operation the market has played a critical role in fostering local entrepreneurship by helping launch and grow numerous micro-businesses and brick-and-mortar storefronts, including Tecumseh Bread & Pastry, Pita Delight Grill, Paper Street Soap, Clay It Forward and more.

“The Chamber is incredibly proud of the legacy of the Tecumseh Farmers Market and the role it has played in supporting small businesses,” said Todd Brown, chairman of the GLCC Board. “As the DDA steps into a broader management role, we are excited to continue supporting vendors through business resources and promoting the market through our weekly communications.”

The transition reflects a shared vision between the chamber, the city of Tecumseh and the DDA to align responsibilities to maximize impact for residents, businesses, and visitors.

“This transition demonstrates our collective commitment to the long-term success of the market and to strengthening collaboration across our organizations,” said Bob Fox, board chair of the Tecumseh DDA.

The chamber will work closely with the DDA to ensure a smooth transition and will remain a partner in supporting vendor success and the broader Tecumseh business community. The Tecumseh Farmers Market will open on May 16 for the season. For more information, visit Tecumseh’s Farmers Market on Facebook.