Christmas is almost here, and there’s still time to check a few meaningful things off your list, without the big-box stress.
Christmas is almost here, and there’s still time to check a few meaningful things off your list, without the big-box stress.
This week at the market is all about last-minute holiday goodness: fresh breads and pastries, locally made cheeses, winter produce, handcrafted gifts, pantry staples, and all the little things that make gatherings feel extra special.
Whether you’re grabbing ingredients for Christmas dinner, picking up a thoughtful, locally made gift or just soaking in a slower, festive moment, the market is here for it!
Market highlights this week:
- Cheese & charcuterie favorites
- Fresh winter produce
- Holiday Cocktails
- Handmade gifts from local makers
Thank you for choosing to shop small and support the farmers, bakers, and makers who make our community what it is. We’re so grateful for you—especially this time of year!
Charlie Weston aka “Smokin’ Charlie” has retired from regular business hours at the Charlie’s Smokin’ Bar-BQ in the market.
Flint, MI – After more than twenty years of dedicated service at the Flint Farmers’ Market Charlie Weston aka “Smokin’ Charlie” has retired from regular business hours at the Charlie’s Smokin’ Bar-BQ in the market. Charlie and his wife Sandra and their extended family have been a mainstay at the market since 2005 winning many of the original BBQ Battles at the old market on East Boulevard Drive.
Weston, retired from the Flint Police Department, serving 30 years as an officer on the force. Upon retirement he turned his one-time hobby and full-time passion into a nationally famous take-out spot inside the Flint Farmers’ Market. Charlie and his crew have won countless awards and accolades from city, county, state, and regional competitions. His booth at the market proudly displays many years of First Place ribbons and hardware. In addition to making what many say is the BEST BBQ in town, he and his family have jumped in to help the community on many occasions when the need arose specifically during the water crisis and COVID 19 epidemic.
Charlie’s exit from the market will surely leave a hole in the heart of the market family. “Charlie is irreplaceable,” says Market Manager Karianne Martus, “he has given so much to this market and he will be so missed, but we love him and want him to have some time to relax and enjoy his family. And it’s not goodbye, but more like see you soon, as we plan to see Charlie outside in his food truck in the market pavilion next summer!”
The market has announced it will be retiring the indoor BBQ concept along with Charlie. The current space occupied by Charlie’s Smokin’ Bar-BQ will be taken over by another popular indoor market vendor in January. The market is not taking any new indoor applications at this time. “Don’t worry, BBQ will be back OUTSIDE, and we will be welcoming Charlie and all of the other fan favorites back to the pavilion as weather permits,” Martus said.
Festive finds at the market
Gatherings are better with great cheese and good people. Hills’ Cheese can help with the cheese part!
Try these delicious cheeses and upgrade your holiday spread!
- Gruyère from Switzerland
- Truffle Gouda
- Fig & Honey Goat Cheese
- Garlic & Herb Goat Cheese
- Truffle Cheddar
Market Tap just dropped their Holiday Cocktails
Stop in and check out their holiday cocktail menu that will run through the end of the year. Proud to support #MadeInMichigan distilleries & small businesses for these curated cocktails!
- Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog: Traverse City Whiskey, eggnog, cinnamon simple syrup and a dash of nutmeg.
- Cherry Cordial Old Fashioned: Long Road Bourbon, Cherry Republic cherry-almond simple syrup, Cherry Republic boozy cherries & cocoa bitters.
- Mackinaw Island Fudge Coffee Sipper: Mackinaw Island Fudge Chocolate Liqueur, Coffee, topped with whipped cream & sprinkles, garnished with a gingerbread man cookie.
- Holiday Cosmo: Ann Arbor Distilling Wheat Vodka, Waterhill Cranberry Liqueur, Spaldings Peppermint Schnapps, & lime juice. Garnished with a candy cane rim.
- Sugarplum Fairy: Valentine Liberator Gin, Northern Latitudes Sugarplum Liqueur, sweet vermouth, & plum bitters. Garnished with a holiday sugar rim.
- Granny’s Punch Bowl: Detroit City Rum, pineapple, cranberry, & orange juice topped with Barritt’s ginger beer. Served in a festive snow globe.
Granee Bee’s Blooms
Holiday Blooms will make their last appearance of the season this Saturday, December 20th. Come early for festive florals — thank you for an amazing holiday season with Granny ’s Blooms
Be part of our farmers’ market family!
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