What started as a vision to bring the community together has blossomed into one of the region’s premiere indoor farmers markets. As the Holt Farmers Market celebrates its 15th anniversary, the story of its growth mirrors the evolution of Holt itself—a tale of community investment, perseverance, and continuous innovation.
From Fire Station to Community Hub
The market’s home has its own rich history. Housed in the former Delhi Township Fire Department building on Cedar Street, the space has transformed from protecting the community to nourishing it. Chuck Grinnell, who has managed the market since its inception, remembers how it all began. “My wife and I had just retired, and we were supposed to be moving up to the lake,” he recalls. “A friend of mine came to me and said, ‘We think you’re our guy for the market.’ I told him that I would do it if I could have the old fire station building.”
Growing Strong
Under Grinnell’s leadership, the market has become a year-round destination. Even during winter months, over twenty local food vendors offer everything from bread and meat to nuts, microgreens, honey, and seasonal delights. The market has particularly flourished in recent years, with 2023 marking one of its best years yet.
“This year we’ve had marvelous customer flow, and our vendors reported good sales,” says Grinnell. “We’ve noticed a lot of new customers.” The market’s success has created such demand that there’s now a waiting list for vendors—a milestone Grinnell sees as a sign of the market’s establishment in the community.
A Showcase of Local Talent
The market has become a launching pad for local entrepreneurs. Vendors like Atomic Squirrel Peppers, who offer 42 varieties of peppers and unique spicy treats, and Vermillion Creek Honey Company, producing up to 750 pounds of honey annually, have found a welcoming home at the market. These success stories demonstrate how the market supports local businesses while providing the community with access to fresh, local products.
Looking to the Future
The Delhi Downtown Development Authority’s recent purchase of the adjacent lot south of the market signals an exciting new chapter. The expansion will nearly double the market’s space and parking capacity, allowing room for at least ten new year-round vendors. Construction is set to begin in spring 2024, with completion targeted for 2025.
“We’ve been wanting to expand for the last five years,” Grinnell explains. The expansion will enable the market to enhance popular events like the Food Frenzys and Friday night Cruise to Holt, which have outgrown their current space. Plans also include reviving the demo kitchen for cooking demonstrations and educational programs through Michigan State University’s Extension.
Beyond the Market
The Holt Farmers Market has evolved into more than just a place to buy fresh produce. It hosts monthly Food Frenzy events featuring live music and family entertainment, and with the current expansion underway it will provide a gathering space for community events and serve as an incubator for small businesses. The market has become, as Grinnell puts it, “the heart of the community.”
“The DDA has funded the farmers market from day one. Fifteen years later, we’re celebrating that,” reflects Grinnell. “Sometimes my wife and I look at each other and say, ‘Did you ever think?'”
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The Holt Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2150 Cedar St, Holt, MI 48842. For more information, call (517) 268-0024 or visit holtfarmersmarket.org