Winter is hard for most of us especially when it comes to driving to do Market Wagon drops! Most of these locations are on a farm or off the beaten track and weather doesn’t always play ball. But for farmers market people such as ourselves, with limited places to sell your product in winter, it’s a lifeline! We take this time to visit with our grandchildren and families and are considered “global grandparents” with daughters in 3 countries, USA, Emirates and New Zealand! We try to miss the snow and are fortunate to be able to have staff who can work all year! Having been in the farmers market industry for more than 12 years it’s a well earned respite!!
We are almost at the end of February and March will be here soon. Hopefully better weather will arrive and getting to and from the winter markets will become easier. We have not done Marshall or Meridian markets this winter but hope to put them back on our schedule in March so look out for that update. We hope you are all enjoying your hibernating months and keeping fit and healthy. We were lucky this year to spend some time in New Zealand with our youngest daughter and her family (nothing beats time with the grandchildren) and as we write I am still there! I will be back in Michigan on the 4th March! Its been a blessing not to have to struggle through the icy roads and cold outdoors as I have been enjoying fine New Zealand weather. We are in the North Island and have managed to do a lot of sight seeing and relaxing!
I have also been able to see many food trucks, gone to some farmers markets and craft shows and spent some time driving the “sheep country” I even purchased some “wool” so I can make myself a beanie when I return. One thing that impresses me everytime I come to New Zealand is the many many small businesses. Every town is lined with small businesses and its the essense of New Zealand life. Coffee trucks are very prevalent and you can find one whenever you are looking for one. The average small diner is called a “cafe” here and then of course there are the regular restaurants. Its been a good experience seeing how such a small country as new Zealand supports its population. Every town has a domain which is a local park equipped with amazing playgrounds for kids to climb and jump and swing from. They are clean and well maintained and each town is proud of their domains and spends much upkeep on them Sometimes they are linked to a aquatic center with indoor and outdoors pools and are well attended. Everything is geared to the ourdoors, family and health….lots of preventative health ideas prevail here with many playgrounds or trails that have outdoor gym equipment for everyone to use! Bike lanes and bike trails and of course lots of walking paths. Outdoor and Health are linked for sure!!
Well the market season will be upon us soon. In the meantime you can find us at two winter markets or you can call and arrange to pick up a order from the kitchen, just call ahead so someone is there to meet you.
Bank str winter Market every Saturday 8 am to 1 pm.
From the Team at Grampas pastys
Fulton str winter Market every Saturday 10 am to 1 p.m
Look out for info on March markets.
In the meantie enjoy the rest of your winter!
Our first snowfall has come and gone! Plenty more to come!! Our outdoor markets are all finished except for the Kalamazoo Farmers Market which runs as normal until the 23rd November and then you can find us indoors at the Bingo Hall (across from the summer market) There is plenty of parking at this indoor market and still plenty of produce! A wide array of market vendors will great you so come and visit us through winter. The Bank St Indoor Market runs every Saturday from 8 am to 1 p.m.
We have now gone inside at the following markets:
Fulton Street, Grand Rapids Winter Market on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 p.m. (civilised hours so you can snooze in a little!)
Marshall Winter Market on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 p.m. and this is in the Floral Hall at the Fairgrounds in Marshall
Thursdays you can find us at the Green Market in Jackson which is being held indoors at the Anderson Building at the Henry Ford Allegiance Health. East Entrance, Auditorium A from 9 am to 2 p.m.
The Meridian Mall Farmers Market will start the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of December from 10 am to 2 p.m.
Plainwell Winter Market begins Saturday 9 November from 10 am to 2 p.m. This market runs for 5 weeks ending on Saturday 14 December 2019
PRE-ORDERS
We are now taking orders for Thanksgiving and for Christmas. We have the following flavors available in our UNBAKED FROZEN PASTYS. Call 269-370-5776 to place your orders for pick up.
Six of the Best come with a free gravy during this Holiday Season! GIVE A LOVED ONE OR SENIOR PARENT THE GIFT OF PASTYS AND BRING BACK GREAT MEMORIES. BUY 5 GET 1 FREE $30 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE AND CAN BE MAILED DIRECT OR PICK UP AT A MARKET
Yooper / Cornish Steak / Spicy Cuban / Beef Samoosa / Italian Meatball / Breakfast Steak / Chicken & Mushroom / Curry Chicken / Portugese Peri-Peri Chicken / Filipino Adobo Chicken / Spinach & Feta / Eggplant Parmiagiano / Black Bean & Corn / Vegetable Curry & Shepherds Pies
Perfect for Holiday Parties are our Cocktail Sausage roll trays. These come in packs of 12 / 24 / 36
and you can warm them on a tray just before your party.
Some Forthcomiing events you will find us at :
23/24 November - Kalamazoo Expo Centre Craft Show - THE BIG ONE!. Saturday 9 - 3 pm
Sunday 10 - 3 pm
Wednesday 27 November Meridian Thanksgiving Market 10 am to 2 p.m.
7 December Saturday Kalamazoo Nature Center Local Art & Craft Fair from 9 to 4p.m.
7 / 8 December the BIG CHRISTMAS AT WINGS SHOW Saturday 9 - 4 pm Sunday 10 3 pm
8 December Sunday at the Portage Holiday Market at the Senior Center in Portage 10 to 2 p.m.
All of these events are great shows to look for Christmas Gifts or just enjoy being out with family and friends. See you one of them!
From the Team at Grampas
Summer flew b y so fast I cant believe we are almost at the end of the year. We had a very busy summer servicing some 12 - 14 markets per week as well as events at Gilmore Car Museum and Food truck events! It kept us all busy and one of the hardest parts this year as a small business owner has been finding “staff” Not only in the kitchen but also to do markets through the season . We hope 2020 will not be a repeat! Interested in being a market vendor please feel free to contact us. We will be looking for staff next year!
As fall markets wind down we will begin November with some craft shows, some indoor winter markets and some rest!!
See our market page to find out where you can find us.
HAPPY FALL EVERYONE