Next month, the NEW Flint Farmers’ Market will officially occupy its place in Downtown Flint, offering nearly 50 indoor vendors and dozens more outdoors. The Grand Opening celebration will feature live music, games and activities for kids, photo booth fun, prizes, giveaways and more. “We are so excited to welcome you to the new market,” says Dick Ramsdell, Market Manager. “While you will see many of the same friendly faces you’ve always known, you’ll also find some unique enhancements that are brand new to the market, thanks to the increased amount of space and flexibility of the new site.” Here’s a look at what the new Flint Farmers’ Market has in store for its customers.
ATRIUM: This signature feature of the new market will soon become the indoor Town Square. With a ceiling over 60 feet high, the atrium will provide indoor space to meet with friends, enjoy a meal or just hang out.
COMMUNITY ROOM: “We are so pleased that we can now host weddings, birthdays, retirements, graduation parties, fundraisers, and business, family and community gatherings of all sizes all year round,” says Dick. The new community room seats 200 people at round tables and up to 300 auditorium style.
ROOFTOP TERRACE: The whole west side of the new market will house a rooftop terrace that overlooks Downtown Flint. Nearly as long as a football field, it will be a place to sit and relax or visit with friends and will even be available for private and community parties and events.
DORT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN: This state-of-the-art facility will offer market and guest chefs alike the opportunity to display their talents and inspire Flint’s palette.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN: Have you already started a small food business but have no licensed place to make your product? The Farmers’ Market can now help! The new market will have two separate kitchens, available for rental 24/7.
INCUBATOR KITCHEN: Those same two kitchens will also offer anyone interested in starting a small food business the opportunity to get it started. There will be assistance, supervision, and the capability to experiment to find out whether your dream of a food business can become a reality.
OUTDOOR PAVILION: One of the beloved features at the old Market, “this one will be just the same, providing 43 stalls for summer vendors, plus a few more,” says Dick, “who we’re sure will soon become your favorites, too.”
STREET FAIR SATURDAYS: Every Saturday on First Street in front of the Market, you can get the most unique clothing, furniture, yard art, jewelry and crafty creations around!
PARKING: There will be more free and safe on-site parking at the new Market than we ever had at the former location, without even crossing the street. And, on Saturdays, there are at least twice as many spots, thanks to the cooperation the Farmers’ Market has received from adjacent businesses.
WILLSON PARK: This beautiful park is not officially part of the new Market, but its location right across the street means that there is green space for escaping the hustle and bustle of the Market to walk, sit, dream, and listen to music from talented local artists.
DIRECTIONS: From I-475, take Exit 7. Turn west on Second St., travel one block and you’re there. From I-69, take Exit 137, turn north on Saginaw St. toward Downtown, then turn right at Second Street.
HOURS: The new Flint Farmers’ Market will still be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays it will be open from 9am to 6pm (one hour later) and on Saturdays, as always, from 8am to 5pm. Steady Eddy’s Café will be open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 7am to 3pm.
Check out the new website to see updated construction photos and catch a glimpse of the new Flint Farmers’ Market!
