A farm market in small-town Alabama is proudly displaying a patriotic hay bale exhibit despite recent demands from local critics to have it removed.
SweetCreek Farm Market in Pike Road, Alabama, constructed an American flag arrangement that included a male statue which initially represented late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
“Happy birthday Charlie,” the market posted on Facebook last week with an image of four hay bales, two spray painted with flags and two vertically assembled as a man wearing a blue suit and sunglasses, as shown by 1819 News.
Left-leaning social media users immediately ridiculed the display.
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“They lost a customer,” one Facebook user wrote. “Their intolerance is on full display. Spend your money elsewhere,” another added.
The farm market, owned by State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road), describes itself as a “farm-to-table market where we sell local, fresh produce, signature sandwiches, homemade ice cream, fresh baked goods and gifts.”
The market’s initial Facebook post was deleted, but Reed said SweetCreek will continue exhibiting the Americana-style bales on their property because they represent patriotism and since customers can interpret the hay arrangement in a variety of ways.
“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 told 1819 News. “It is an American patriot, not Republican, not Democrat.”
In recent days, social media comments and sentiment have shifted, now in support of Reed.
“Here’s to more patriotic displays there and everywhere,” a user wrote on X. Others chimed in with, “I need to go and see the Charlie Kirk hay bale!” and “Love the Charlie Kirk hay bale … He will be getting more business now.”
The venue hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival in the autumn which generates hundreds of attendees for a carnival-type community event with food, music, and vendors.
According to 1819 News: Reed “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.”
In a recent podcast interview, Reed talked about community relations and his vision for the Pike Road region. “It’s about what this country was built on, In God We Trust. It’s about taking care of our family.”
“We’ve got to get back to supper on Sunday and spending time around the table. And that’s what’s wrong with our society.”
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