The Day of the Event

Tour day, is full of excitement! As volunteers and staff all arrive early in the morning, they begin the day by scooping ice cream in preparation for the After Glow event that occurs after the tour. As the Flint Farmers Market transforms into a beautiful venue, full of fresh flowers, food, community partners, and participants start arriving. 

Bike Tour participants 2017

Before long, all of the participants have arrived and the registration and check-in process begins. Around 5 p.m., the tour buses arrive, and the bike tour takes off to their first stop. Participants board their buses with excitement for the tour to begin and the gardens they will encounter. The tour includes two bus routes and a bike route. Each route visits five different food gardens, with a variety of urban gardens and farms. Participants are able to explore each garden on their route, get to know the gardener(s), and learn about what is growing in each garden. 

After each tour is complete, and the routes have visited all five gardens, participants and gardens are all welcome to attend the After Glow event at the Farmers' Market. As each bus group, along with the bikers arrive to the market, the rooms fills up with conversation full of excitement, appreciation, and gratitude. Everyone has the opportunity to discuss their favorite part of the tour with others, and often times people on separate tours enjoy sharing their experiences with each other.

Denny Nichols Memorial Garden

Em Flower Farm

At the After Glow, food and ice cream accompany local musicians, and the Partners in Healthy Living Fair. The Fair includes partners from the community that promote and support a healthy lifestyle. Participants are encouraged to stay and enjoy the food, music, company, and community partners. 

Gallery

Location

Flint Farmers' Market
300 E 1st Street 
Flint, MI 48502

The Food Garden Tour has always started and ended at the Flint Farmers' Market. Registration is located outdoors under the vendor pavilion, and the After Glow event is located indoors in the community room, demonstration kitchen, and atrium.