Harvesting of 4-foot tall apples is underway
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dan Carmody, Eastern Market
(313) 833-9300
Denise Donohue
(800) 456-2753
DeWitt, Mich. – Apples from the MI Apple Trail arrive at Detroit Eastern Market on September 15. These 20 giant apples have been featured as public art at farmers markets throughout Wayne, Oakland and Genesee counties.
The first collective viewing of the apples will be on Saturday, September 17, in Sheds 2 and 3, and will continue to be on display every Saturday and Tuesday until October 14.
“This event has been a great partnership between the Detroit Eastern Market and the Michigan Apple Committee,” stated Dan Carmody, Executive Director of the Detroit Eastern Market Corp. “Our goal was to raise awareness about our apple industry and our local farmers market and these giant apples have certainly done that. Showcasing them at the Eastern Market for the next four weeks will be the icing on the cake.”
The apple artists range from high school students to professionals. All 20 of the apples are uniquely designed and are significant to each community. One apple was painted to look like a large caramel apple while another features multiple handprints from local residents. One of the apples has solar panels that allow it to glow at night.
The unique public art event has been a fun and creative way for farmers markets to launch harvest season. Photos of all the apples are available at miappletrail.com, where the public has been voting for their favorite apple. The winning apples will be honored at the Fall Apple Gala on October 14. The Gala will take place in the newly renovated Shed 3 between 6 pm and 10 pm. A highlight of the evening will be an auction of all the artsy apples. Proceeds will be returned to the local farmers market that designed that apple. Tickets for the event will be available for download at miappletrail.com.
“We enjoyed co-sponsoring this activity with Detroit Eastern Market because it brings attention to Michigan’s largest fruit crop, and also showcases local venders at the markets,” said Denise Donohue, Executive Director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “All the apples are so creative it is hard to vote on just one.”
The public is still encouraged to travel the MI Apple Trail with their passports, visiting the 20 farmers markets in the area. Stamped passports must be sent to the Michigan Apple Committee by October 8 to be eligible for the prize drawing. Passports may be obtained at any one of the 20 participating markets or online at MichiganApples.com/mi-apple-trail.
Detroit Eastern Market is located between Gratiot and Mack, bordered by St. Aubin and the I-75 service drive. The market is open to the general public on Saturdays from 5 am to 5pm and on Tuesdays from 11 am to 7 pm. Get more information about Detroit Eastern Market Corp. at detroiteasternmarket.com.