Farmington's Winter Farmers Market: Bigger and Better

A winter farmer's market that barely squeezed into space at last season will move into much larger quarters next week. 

The Old Winery Farmers Market (formerly the Power Road Winter Market) opens Dec. 10 with about 35 vendors and a new cafe in large rooms at the Winery/Powerhouse building on Grand River west of Orchard Lake Rd. in Farmington. Over the past two months, volunteers have been hard at work painting, installing light fixtures and cleaning up the space. 

Market master Jean Smith of Garden Gate Farm in Snover, a regular at the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market from May through November, said their goal is to create a special atmosphere for market-goers every Saturday.

"We're trying to make it have an outdoor feel," she said, pointing out columns that have been painted to look like tree trunks by vendors Christine Cross of The Granola Tree and Cheryl Anderson of Designs by Anderson. The ceiling is painted sky blue, with swirls of white "clouds". 

Moving into the larger space, Jean Smith said, was her husband's idea. "(Neil) saw the rental sign and gave them a call last year," she said, adding the building's owners have been "really workable" in planning for the market. 

David "Alex" Alexander of Cheeky Monkeys Foods is serving as concessions manager. Also a regular at last year's winter market and the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market, the Goodrich-based business owner said he keeps coming back to Farmington because the community has been so responsive.

"We're just very well received by the community," he said. "Customers seek us out week after week ... A lot of our customers are very excited about having a market available in the winter."

Along with Garden Gate CSA Farm, Cheeky Monkeys Foods and Smith's daughter Taylor's Bake Shoppe in the Market Cafe, regular vendors will include Bell Wether Farm, Willow Ridge Farm, Relic Soap, Baskets by Rose, Golden Wheat, , Carpenter's Farm, Kapnick Orchards, , Itza Bloomin' Chocolate Company, Elderberry Heaven, & Happy Belly Bakeries, Granola Tree, Tracina's Gourmet Specialties, Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery, Bona Rose Foods, Aileen's Soy Candles, Designs by Anderson, Emma's Sugar & Spice Confections, Kim's Up North Pasties, Matt's Mix and Captain John's Smoke House. 

Additional vendors expected during the season, Jean Smith said, include , , Fostoria Bread Company, Tshetter Broom Craftsman, Lydia's Stained Glass & Jewelry and many others. 

Shoppers will find organic produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, gift items and much more every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cafe will offer breakfast and lunch items, as well as space to sit down and enjoy the meal. 

A full calendar includes a Christmas event on Friday, Dec. 23, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The market will not be open on Saturday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, Smith said, or on Saturday, Dec. 30. On Jan. 7, 2012, the new year kicks off with a health fair, featuring health screenings by staff. 

The entrance to the market will be through the front of the building. Smith said a new landing and stairs and a ramp will be installed before the market opens. 

For more information, visit theoldwinerymarket.com