Much more than a place to buy potatoes and tomatoes.

Lady sitting in Pure Markette Bus

Our Beginnings

In 2023, the Village of Baldwin Downtown Development Authority (DDA) developed a comprehensive Vision Plan with input and support from more than 750  residents, business owners, employees, community organizations, seasonal homeowners, and visitors.  The Plan includes a menu of short- and longer-term action items to enhance the downtown district, drive economic development, and cultivate a welcoming community for all.

The Plan’s #1 short-term priority was to create a community gathering space that would increase access to local, affordable farm-fresh foods and artisan products, cultivate local economic development, and connect visitors to community and natural resources. Hence, we had our mission and marching orders, and the seed was planted to launch a farmers/makers market in downtown Baldwin.

In just a few short months, a public naming contest was held, fundraising and grant writing began, and a committee of volunteers actively recruited vendors, volunteers and community partners.   In June of 2024, the 100% volunteer run and funded Pure Markette held its grand opening. 

Take a peek at our 2024 Community Impact report to peruse our inaugural season’s success.

2025 Season

You’ll find a colorful array of local farmers and food producers offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, flowers, herbs, honey, syrup, spices, plants, proteins, artisan breads and baked goods.  Plus, dozens of makers display and demonstrate their hand-crafted products created with leather, glass, textiles, wood, metals, various art mediums, and recycled products.  

And unlike many markets, the Pure Markette’s Community Circle features over thirty area nonprofit organizations connecting Markette guests to services and resources while hosting special events, nutrition and cooking classes, DIY demos, and children’s programs and outdoor games. 

By exploring, discovering, and connecting,
our community and Markette THRIVE.  

Advisory Board

  • Meredith Gremel

     Volunteer Markette Manager

  • Harold Nichols

     Village of Baldwin President

  • Jodi Nichols

    Lake County Economic Development Alliance

  • Jane Allison

    DDA Chair | Owner, Baldwin Lumber

  • Deb Smith-Olson

    DDA Treasurer | Chair, Lake-Osceola State Bank

  • Seth Wenger

    DDA Board Member | Owner, Wenger Insurance

Vendors at the farmers market

In keeping with our mission to cultivate local economic development, the Pure Markette creates bountiful opportunities for guests to spend their dollars locally, thereby supporting local farmers, producers and makers.

Local Economic Impact

The Pure Markette is 100% volunteer run and funded.  We are most grateful for all our sponsors and individual contributors, plus initial funding from the Village of Baldwin Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Lake County Community Foundation.

Financials

Food Assistance Programs

To ensure access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables for all guests, the Pure Markette offers the following programs to eligible participants: 

  • Senior Project Fresh coupons

  • Corewell Health Healthy Eating Vouchers 

  • Power of Produce (POP) Children’s Passport Program 

  • FARMACY Rx partnership with Family Health Care (new in 2025) 

  • Some vendors may participate in WIC

We are awaiting approval to offer the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to EBT-card holders. Once approved as a SNAP eligible site, we will be eligible to pursue the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program.

Vegetables at the Market