A Macomb County farm is giving back to vendors of its annual Lavender Festival after Canada wildfire smoke and a sudden severe storm damaged their displays and merchandise this weekend.
Blake Farms in Armada announced Sunday it would give”100% of Sunday’s profits with the artisan vendors and first responders impacted by this weekend’s storms.” Some vendors were unable to return after a sudden storm destroyed their tents and goods Saturday. Wildfire smoke from Canada wildfires that enguled Michigan during the week and persisted over the weekend also put a dent in their profits.
“As a family farm, we know these local makers are part of what makes Lavender Festival so special,” the farm said on Facebook.
A representative of the farm and the festival could not immediately be reached Sunday.
The festival ran from July 10-12 and Friday through Sunday, featuring over 200 Michigan artisans, according to its website.
Videos on social media showed winds whipping through the festival tents on Saturday and pouring rain. Photos showed the damage after the storm, with collapsed tents and goods strewn across the grass. One photo showed an overturned box of crocheted animals soaking in a puddle.
Videos also showed empty spaces where vendors had been but had left, and others who were able to return and offer their services Sunday.
“This weekend reminded us just how strong our community is,” the farm said on Facebook.
jpignolet@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Blake Farms to give back to vendors after storm damage during festival
Reporting by Jennifer Pignolet, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Jennifer Pignolet, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
