Horton Farmers' Market kick-off

Welcome to the slightly new venue bringing

The Horton Farmers' Market news to you each week.

A few things new for the 2009 season;

the newly renovated building is open for business,
a few new vendors,
a new market manager,
and more new visitors to the market.

Whether you are new to the market atmosphere or a seasoned repeat customer, there is something for you. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be part of our local farmers' market.

"A farmers market is an act of reconnection." (The 100-Mile Diet, Smith & MacKinnon - available at Oracles Book Shop on Talbot Street).

It is my intention with this newsletter/blog format to keep you in that act of reconnection. As I busily put together last minute details, I am including just a sample of our vendors for this year. Remember it is Mother's Day weekend - the market is a perfect place to start as there will be plenty of surprises and gifts for mom at the market.

We will have farm fresh eggs all season this year. Be sure to see Amber deJong from Frisa Farm eggs. She will bring flats and one dozen cartons, and starting May 16, you can bring your own carton(s) to fill.

Say hello to the folks at Farmgate Markets bringing a full range of meat, deli meats and cheeses available all year long.

Welcome to the little Sweet Shoppe of St. Thomas. Our own chocolatier is bringing a few sweet treats for all your special occasions.
And the new City Coffee are back with their certified organic fair-trade coffee, a full range of baked goods, sandwiches, and speciality drinks. You can sit at the indoor cafe and listen to some live music or lounge in the Gravel Cafe outside in the north pavilion and soak in a few rays of sun (me being optimistic that the weather will cooperate.

Jaydancin is back this year, and setting up shop in the building with soap-making workshops, all natural skin care products and mineral makeup.

Spring Roles for breakfast? I have heard that many times - Lotus Thai is famous for their spring rolls and will serve them up fresh every Saturday.

Have you tried watercress before? Beaverbrook Culinary Herbs will have fresh picked watercress available starting May 9th. Check out Michele's sample of recipes that include ideas for season-ready produce.

"Spring Spear-it" is a new venture starting at the market this year. Can you guess what fresh, hand-cut vegetable they are selling?

Did you know that the market provides a great venue for fundraising events? Pets Friends for Life will be there each Saturday selling Farmgates' Oktoberfest sausage and other BBQ specialities. You may also remember Word & Deed from last year selling fresh cut flowers (perfect for Mother's Day!), and the St. Thomas Senior Centre bringing Cherry Cheesecake Pies.

The market is growing - we have some seasoned veterans like Janssens, McSmiths Organics, Erie Gardens and Empire Valley Farms and some new farmers such as Kosciks Greenhouses and Debackere Farms, but you need to come and see for yourself.

As I have been saying a lot these days: ‘See you at the market!'