For the next two Saturdays, the Flint Farmers’ Market will be in full bloom with its popular event, Flower Daze. The event is sponsored by Bishop International Airport and attracts thousands of visitors to Downtown Flint, according to Market Manager Karianne Martus. There will be eight to 10 flower sellers and growers, and the pavilion will be filled to the brink with flowers and plants. Flower Daze is in its first year at the new location. At the old market Karianne reports that around 4,500 attended the event. “Overall, the number of people visiting the market is double from the old market, so we’re anticipating about 7,000-8000 people this year.” MSU Junior Master Gardeners and For-Mar Nature Preserve will offer education and activities in the Pavilion at the all-day event. A free potting class is scheduled on May 23 at 9am on the Front Plaza as well as live entertainment from 10am to 2pm. There will be a huge variety of hanging baskets, potted plants, yard art, and flats of flowers and vegetables to choose from, according to Karianne.
Shawn Diemer has been a flower vendor at the market for the last 12 years. “We drive all the way from Holland MI to Flint on Saturdays to sell our flowers,” he says. “We are at the market throughout the months of May and June but Flower Daze is always the peak.” You will find a huge variety of hanging baskets, flats and plants at Diemer’s Winter Garden. They also sell fresh produce and are just now harvesting their greenhouse tomatoes. Shawn says he is really happy with the new location. “The new market has a really nice atmosphere and we really appreciate all the work the committee did,” he says.
Not leaving town for Memorial Day weekend? Stop by and see all the beautiful flowers and join in on the fun at Flint Farmers Market. “It’s a great way to kick off the outside season at the market!” Karianne exclaimed. “It is a sign that summer is just around the corner!”
