Business & Tech
Video: Farmers Market Find: It's Pumpkin Time
You know about the fresh produce and flowers, but there's so much more to discover at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Every week we will share what's new, interesting and in season.
October is here and the is filled with the fall season's most iconic crop – pumpkins – and we're not just talking jack-o'-lanterns. There are mini-pumpkins, pie pumpkins and the ones that have funny shapes and unusual colors. In short, there's a pumpkin to suit everyone's taste.
Van Houtte Farms specializes in growing pumpkins. Operating on more than 100 acres in Armada, owner Don Van Houtte has a thing for growing big pumpkins – we're talking 1,500 pounds or more.
"My dad has been doing bigger pumpkins ever since I was a kid, probably since the mid '80s," Michael Van Houtte said. "I think he just does it for fun. Every year he tries to have the biggest one."
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Oktoberfest
You can see one of the Van Houtte Farms' famous giant pumpkins (they've been featured on Good Morning America) during Oktoberfest on Oct. 15 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The event is part of a joint fundraiser for the market and the . Van Houtte promises to display at least a 1,200 pound pumpkin.
In addition to possibly having the largest pumpkin in Michigan at Oktoberfest, there will be polka dancing with the The Good Times Orchestra, a silent auction, edibles from and, of course, a selection of locally brewed beer and wine.
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One hundred percent of the profits from the sales go directly to the charity, while proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction bids will help the Royal Oak Farmers Market with much-needed renovations.
Admission is $5; kids 10 years and younger get in free. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Friday at the Market
The Royal Oak Farmers Market operates on Fridays from May to December and year-round on Saturdays from 7 a.m to 1 p.m. While Saturday's market is bustling with people, Friday's market is more laid-back.
"If you come on Friday, you'll find great locally grown fruits and vegetables, but the selection is limited," Market Master Shelly Mazur said.
Friday's market is much simpler to navigate without the larger crowds, and parking is easier to find and free before 11 a.m. Best of all, a cup of gourmet cappuchino is one dollar less ($2) on Friday at the market.
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