by Karen Anderson, Laingsburg Correspondent
LAINGSBURG – You’re invited to attend the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Firefly Ridge Gift and Garden Shop surrounded by a colorful fresh cut floral garden. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 4, 2021, and is being hosted for the community from 5:00 pm to Dusk. Location is 8753 Hollister Rd. Laingsburg. Plenty of parking.
The celebration includes a Ribbon Cutting at 5:00 pm and Live Music featuring “Lady Luck” with a special guest bass player Tom Mitchell. Giant yard games for kids. All Firefly produce, flower bouquets, and beverage profits will be donated to the Laingsburg Scouts. The shop and a few other vendors will be open to the public from 5 – 8:30 and everything inside the gift shop will be 10% off. Music until 8:00, bring a lawn chair, mosquito spray and stay for the fireflies.
Owners and life-long residents, Laura Mitchell-Smith and Dena Judd have planned a fun time for the “Grand Opening” and celebration for the expansion of Firefly Ridge. “Yeller Dogs” food truck will be selling refreshments which include Michigan Koegel® hot dogs and other yummy goodies to eat. Smith exclaimed, “Come hungry and ready for some fun!” She also stated, “This is a dream in the making for many years – to have a stocked gift shop, fresh produce and baked goods for our community.”
A twenty-acre family-owned farm carries fresh locally grown vegetables and seasonal fruit, and eggs for 20 weeks over the Michigan summer and fall months. Fresh produce is available 24-7 at two open air locations: 115 Crum in the City of Laingsburg and at the farm located at 8753 Hollister Rd in the rural area west of Laingsburg. The Produce and Bakery stand is also available at the Laingsburg Farmers Market on Wednesdays for 20 weeks from 4:00 – 7:00pm.
Firefly Ridge has been a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) Farm for over 4 years. The State of Michigan Dept of Agricultural certification gives the community agricultural farmers an organic connection with buyers. The program is supported by a pay in advance subscription to allow individuals to purchase a bushel of seasonal produce from their local farmers. There are 3 levels of food bundles that can be purchased in the spring which allows farmers to grow what is needed. Currently, Firefly Ridge delivers over 30 bushels weekly as part of the program. An anonymous participant said, “It’s fresh tasting and they are generous with their portions and always include home baked cookies for my kids and sends us extra loose leafy produce for my goats.”
The Firefly Ridge is the essence of the Laingsburg welcome sign, which states, “Where the Country and the City meet.” Joining the community in one of its milestone businesses, grand openings will be celebrated by City Council members in attendance, Laingsburg Business and Community Association, family and friend supporters, and anyone else who supports our farmers and community working together. Firefly Ridge is wished great success through the participation and support of area residents. For more information or to find a CSA Farm near you search: www.CSAfarmsnearme.com
