BENTON HARBOR—At this time of year, farmers’ markets abound. On any given weekend, you’ll find one in just about every town in southwest Michigan.

What’s rare, though, is a market that includes a variety of vendors who specialize in farm produce, cottage food products, crafts, artwork and antiques.

What’s even more rare is a market that doesn’t charge the vendors a fee to participate, but rather provides them with tents, tables and help setting up—all at no charge.

Welcome to Harbor Market, where you’ll find all that—and more.

Originally the shared enterprise of Julie and Bob Montgomery and Thom Golba, Harbor Market will soon enter its third year, opening on June 6 at 510 W. Main St. in the parking lot next to Mosaic Resale Shop.

“Over the last two years, we’ve had over 150 vendors and almost 5,000 people come through the market,” said Bob Montgomery, a resident of Stevensville and an organizer of the market.

By purchasing a group vendors permit, Bob, Julie and Thom have been able to allow all vendors to come and sell their wares each summer Friday at no cost. This year’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

While the basic experience of the market will remain the same for both vendors and shoppers, something new at the market this year will be its funding structure.

“In the past, we were privately funded. Now, we’ve joined a nonprofit, the OCCDA—the Overflow Christian Community Development Association—which runs the Mosaic Resale Shop and Harbor Shine,” Bob explained. “That’s going to allow us to raise money through donations and sponsorships to allow for the long-term funding of the market.”

The idea for the market actually arose when the Montgomerys first heard about a plan to raise the cost of water service in Benton Harbor.

“One trigger for starting the market came up three years ago when Benton Harbor raised the water bills. We wanted to help provide a way for people to earn the 50 extra bucks they were going to have to spend for water,” Bob recalled. “We realized that we have to bring money into Benton Harbor to get it into the pockets of the people in the community.”

Now, two years later, the Mongomerys feel as though they have achieved two of their own goals, and they are thrilled to see the success of the vendors at their market as well.

“Two goals were achieved with Harbor Market. One was that we’ve brought people into Benton Harbor, and we’ve shown them that there’s a fun, safe way to spend time there,” Bob said. “Second, we’ve provided a way for people to try out new ideas, whether it’s been cupcakes, or glassware, or many other products.”

Julie agrees, viewing the market as a community of vendors who have similar goals and who share information and ideas that lead to the greater success of all.

“It’s really hard to say which group of vendors I’m most excited about,” Julie said. “First, there are the vendors that are coming back. I just get thrilled when I see their applications coming in.”

Julie also loves welcoming new vendors to the market. They can apply and begin selling at any time throughout the summer. Applications are available at Mosaic as well as on the Harbor Market Facebook page or at www.harbor-market.com.

“I love getting the emails from all of the first-timers who are just so excited to be doing something new,” Julie said.

Finally, there are the Harbor Market success stories.

“I just get such a kick out of people who have had success and who have grown their businesses. For example, Austin Bock now has a storefront on State St. in St. Joseph for his Bound for Freedom business,” Julie said. “Also, the Organic Gypsy started with us, and now she has her own space at Renaissance Athletic Club.”

The organizers of Harbor Market plan to continue having specially-themed market days, bringing back some favorites from last year, and trying out some new ones as well.

“We’ll be doing some new things—like Senior Day and Dog Day—as well as bringing back some of the things that were really popular,” Bob said. “The Pie Contest was really a big hit, and so was the Kids’ Day.”

In fact, supervised children are welcome to sell their wares—whether its lemonade, handmade crafts, or something unique—on every market day.

“I think that it’s really exciting when we see the kids getting involved in selling things, too,” Julie said.

Bob and Julie hope that folks from all over the area will make a visit to Harbor Market a part of their weekly routine this summer.

“It’s a simple, easy, fun way on Fridays to come enjoy yourself, have a great lunch, and be inspired by—as well as help support—small business people,” Bob said.