Dexter Farmers Market Season Ends Saturday with Canine Costume Contest

The Dexter Farmers Market is going to the dogs (literally) on Saturday with the fourth annual canine costume contest.

The contest will take place from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and judges will award first, second, and third place prizes for the top pooch.

Deanna Steffey and her dog, Flick, who was dressed as a bull, complete with a stuffed rider on his back, took home first prize last year. Steffey and Flick are expected to make a return visit to the market on Saturday.

"The owners have a lot of fun being creative with their dogs' costumes," market manager Brenda Tuscano said. "All of the costumes are cute."

Tuscano said the costume contest always marks the end of the farmers market season in Dexter and is generally well attended by the public.

"This started as something fun for us to do since the market ends so close to Halloween," she said.

This year's market was well attended by both vendors and customers. Tuscano said roughly 21 seasonal vendors set up shop in Dexter.

"Considering we had such a hot summer, I was worried we would lose a lot of the produce people. However, we did pretty good, especially in August and September," she said.

Tuscano said the market is now in its 17th season and interest has been steadily growing. The market will reopen the first weekend in May.

Participants for the costume contest are encouraged to show up at the market with their dog on Saturday around 11 a.m. For more information, call 734-426-8303.