Thursday, September 2, 2010

What do you like about the market?

September is officially here! I am excited as it always feels like the new year - the weather seems to change the quickest during this season transition. One day it's summer, the next it's fall. The kids go back to school, rountine is a little more settled and comforting, and fall mums and root veggies start filling the stalls at the market.

In the community we are getting ready for the International Plowing Match happening Sept 21-25. There will be a local food tent including a daily farmers' market there. If you are interested in vending your agricultural products there please let me know ASAP. The fees have been supplemented by secured funding so this is a great opportunity to showcase what Elgin County has to offer.

We are continuing to average 40 vendors per market day. Luckily a few vendors are on vacation every week so I can shuffle a few to different tables to keep everyone withnin the pavilions and building.

This weekend, the plan is to make peach jam, red-pepper jelly, and applesauce - pretty keen I know. This is my one way of making the market memories last well into the winter. What about you? Let me know what you think about the market, the hours of operation, what a year-round Saturday market might look like to you. We'd love to hear your ideas, thoughts, suggestions - I do keep track and pass them on to the Board of Management. Send me an email or track me down at the market - much progress has been made in the past four years; let's keep the momentum going.

Yet another bonus to my position as market manager - I often to get to sample the new things vendors are trying. Like the creamcheese and crab dumplings at Lotus Thai, or the freshest multi-grain garlic bread at Spicers. The organic tomatoes at Chris Dancey's booth and the hot peppers from Kosic's Greenhouse are also a big hit. Then there's apple fritters from the Dutch Bakery, thin crust pizza from Uncle Dad's and an assortment of natural soaps from Moonstone Aromatherapy. Have a look around, you never know what you might see that you previously passed by.

Congratulations to Michele Martin who won the customer appreciation draw this week. Always a bonus highlite every Saturday!

Many thanks for your continued involvment in the market's growth and see you at the market!
Cheers,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

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