A Pike Road farmer's market is facing backlash for a patriotic display just days before its annual Pumpkin Festival.
SweetCreek Farm Market, owned by State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road), posted a photo of the display on Facebook for Charlie Kirk's birthday.
"Happy birthday Charlie!" the post read.
The display, made from spray-painted round hay bales, features a man in a suit and sunglasses, along with two United States flags.
Ingram told 1819 News that SweetCreek received hateful comments, and the team's marketing director removed the post. However, Ingram said the display will stay. He said it represents American patriotism and that anyone can interpret it as they like.
"It could be Trump, it could be Charlie, it could be any patriot with sunglasses, and I would love for people to think that it's Charlie Kirk or whoever their hero is," Ingram said. "It is an American patriot, not Republican, not Democrat."
Ingram previously stated that he believes a street in Montgomery should be named after Charlie Kirk. He said that although he has received some negative feedback, the positives outweigh the negatives.
"We stand for patriots," said Ingram. "We stand for people that stand up for Americans and for their rights and I am honored to know that people think that's Charlie Kirk. That's the reason I posted that it was his birthday. This man was assassinated with young kids and a wife, and I don't think that anybody ought not to recognize somebody like that."
Ingram said he honors Kirk just as he would honor a veteran or front-line soldier, because Kirk loved the people of the United States. He does not believe his stance will cost him customers at SweetCreek. He said he will not repost the birthday message on Facebook, but will post images of the display during the festival this weekend. He hopes festivalgoers will also post their photos and tag SweetCreek.
SweetCreek sells local produce, homemade ice cream, baked goods and gifts. This weekend's Pumpkin Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
