Thank You Community!

The Market's 131st Birthday Celebration was a great event! We had cake, we had presents (I have contacted all the prize winners to pick up their presents at the market this weekend), and we had singing! We had a record day all around for customers, vendors and vendor revenue! I would also add that Mother Nature played her part and gave us a beautiful day - everyone's spirits were joyful. It was a memorable day and was so because of all the help that went in to preparing and coordinating to help the day run smoothly. Many Thanks to all the folks who contributed prizes for the singing contest, for the Board and Committee members who planned behind the scenes, to the Senior Centre for the delicious birthday cake, to Centrepiece Marketing and Sam Hurrie for providing ambience with a little blues singing, and to all the city officials who participated in the ceremonies. Special Thanks to our MC for the day, Alderman Baldwin-Sands, who encouraged many a closet-singer to perform "Good Things Grow in Ontario".

This week at the market, come to sample a delicious blueberry sauce -recipe compliments of Marianne Hatch of Bluegroves Fruit Farms of West Lorne. Marianne was so excitied to have me try this recipe that she brought a batch for me to sample. I LOVE it! I have mentioned before that blueberries top the list of favourites at my house and this new recipe is right up there at number one. I am finding many new things to try it on, but vanilla icecream is tops so far. Since we expect a little heat this weekend, vanilla waffers will be the sample partner of choice. Find the sampling set up at Bluegroves' table.

Ray & Sandy from Farmgate Markets will have fresh, local (from Shedden, ON) roaster chickens available. These chickens are hormone & antibiotic free and retail for $4.39 a pound. Great for crock pot cooking!

Look for some new crop at McSmiths Organics as they will have peppers, a variety of eggplant, salad & cherry tomatoes and fingerlings. Janis & Mark's flowers are a big seller every Saturday. They have been filling their coldroom all week to prepare for market day and still they sell-out. See them first for snapdragons, sunflowers, and glads (& much more!).

And Frisa Farm eggs will be ready this week for a larger crowd. They sold out early last week. Look for their 'new hen' eggs.

We have a well rounded mix of vendors including produce vendors, fresh meat & turkey, woodworking, jewelry, and body care products vendors (look for photos posted in various spots in the main building). As we are a producer-based farmers market we require our vendors to also be the producer (grower or manufacturer) of their product. From time to time, vendors may need to supplement their produce with produce from another farm. We do have regulations in effect that require this supplemented produce to be no more than 25% of that vendors entire product, that it come from a neighbouring or family farm within the 60km radius guideline, and that the produce be clearly labelled at the market so that the consumer can make an informed decision. If this is a concern of yours, please check the vendor labels and talk to the vendors to learn more about what they grow and if and where they source their supplemental produce. You can also direct any questions to me as I am always interested in feedback and using it to grow the market.

I may have said this before (you can check through previous posts on the blog), and most of us would agree that there is a cyclical nature to all things. I seem to recall a graph in economics class that showed the cyclical nature of business. It ebbs and it flows. The 'business' of the market defintely follows the cycle of Mother Nature. Enjoy the peak wave of nature's bounty through August into September and October. The market season runs until October 31st so be sure to plan your meal times in harmony with nature's harvest. This is a key factor in creating a more sustainable cycle with nature: not only for our local economy but also for our own personal health.

Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Happy Birthday Horton Farmers' Market!

This weekend marks the official 'half-way' point of the market season and we are celebrating in true 'farmers' market' style! Here are a few things we have lined up for the Market's 131st Birthday Celebration on August 1st :

Centre Piece Marketing Presents - Sam Hurrie

You may have read about Sam Hurrie Entertaining Elgin in the special edition of Relish Elgin's Arts in Elgin or heard him play around Elgin County. Sam will be performing his own style of Blues at the market from 10 - 12noon.

Birthday cake will be served by various guests of St.Thomas and Elgin starting at 10:30am. And we have lots of presents - to give away! But here's the catch - you will have to perform a little jingle to receive a ballot to enter the draw for the presents. The jingle goes : "Good Things Groooow In Ontario" The singing event will be throughout the morning and you can be sure that you will hear that jingle from yours truly a time or two. I will also be convincing a few other guests to join in - perhaps some of the vendors as well!

Amanda Nethercott, the fantastic face painter, will be back and set up beside the Kids Kraft Korner in the south pavilion. Reminder - face painting is for all the kids, including the young at heart. We will have free glow sticks for the kids to take home.

As it is the first Saturday of the month, the St.Thomas Public Library will be back with loads of books for you to peruse and check out on the spot. They will also have used books for sale and a sampling of some of the activities going on at the library.

Blueberry pies are the specialty this week of the folks from the St.Thomas Seniors Centre. They have sold out every time they have been to market this season so you know what that means!

We have a new vendor this week - Bird Man on the Marsh. He will be selling his handcrafted bird houses for various types of birds.

Candle making is the display of Jaydancin's. They are back from vacation and making a variety of enviro-friendly candles to show you how it is done.

And the bean marinade was a big hit last week! As it turns out, Cathy, who made that yummy concoction (from McSmith's Organics) uses a little bit of this and a little of that. The base was balsamic vinegar. I mentioned I would post the recipe on the blog - there is a similar one posted for you to experiment with. The key ingredients that most people commented on were the fresh, crisp beans from the market and chickpeas! Enjoy!

Janis Smith has sold out of her fresh cut flowers every time! She is bringing as many as nature will allow and she has also helped out Mom, Cathy of McSmiths by preparing ready to go coleslaw bags. She has been chopping organic cabbage and carrots - all you need to do is add the dressing.

Congratulations to Mike & Joyce Hlatki who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. Be sure to look for the green and white Foodland Ontario balloons and sign up for your chance to win. I contact the winner during the week to pick up their prize for the following Saturday at the market.

And about the honey..... the bees have suffered a loss this year on a large scale. The folks from Gibson's Honey have signed up for the market but have limited resources as they have lost a large percentage of their bees and will need time (a full season) to re-build their crop. Thanks for your patience with this as we continue to look for honey resources.

The Horton Breakfast Sandwich Combo continues to be a big seller. A dollar from the sale of each sandwich goes directly back to the market. These procedes help with things like the musicians, the sampling sessions, and increasing customer awareness of what the market has to offer. To sum it all up - we continue to evolve in community, in resources, in vendors and in sustainability. It's all good!

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Beans, beans, and more....

Beans are in-season! Green, yellow, string, wax, and even purple beans. We've heard them called by many different names and they also can be prepared many different ways. Fresh out of the garden, in a marinade, or dipped in a special sauce - you will get to sample these at the market this weekend! Cathy, from McSmith Organics is bringing a sampling of her specialty bean marinade. Hertiage Line Herbs will have some dips for you to sample using their dried herb seasonings, and there are plenty of beans (and other produce), fresh from the garden. For recipe ideas, there are several that are quick, easy, and full of flavour - just add beans from the market!

The Horton Farmers Market has been around for 131 years - almost as old as Canada. We are celebrating the market's birthday on August 1st with festivities for all. Do you know the "Good Things Grow in Ontario" jingle? That's it. Good things grow in Ontario. We are having a little singing contest - no practice or skill required, just plain courage to step up to the mic and sing. Special guests from the local community are expected that day - who knows, there may be a singer or two in the mix. Plan to stay for a while, have breakfast, a coffee, and a little cake for dessert.

We are a member of Farmers' Markets Ontario which gives us guidelines to follow in keeping the market a producer-based market. The farmers grow and sell their own produce. The artisans create their own craft. Some things you find at the market are not 'locally grown'. Coffee is a good example. Coffee will not be locally produced as long as we live in Ontario. So we work within the guidelines to bring one of our dietary staples to the market. (there are time when I have jokingly suggested adding coffee as a food group). If there are products you would like to see at the market, let me know. I am constantly working on bringing the full mix to the market, always keeping in mind, the locally produced guidelines.

Expect a full venue at the market this weekend. We currently have 35 vendors that participate in our 4 hour market day. Holidays and Mother Nature keep some away some of the time, but we are in prime market season. I heard an advertisement on the radio to visit your local farmers market, supported by the Government of Ontario. Visiting the market helps sustain our economy in tough times, but it does much more than that. It breathes life back into our community and reminds us that good things really do grow right here in our own backyard.

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Blueberries at the Market!

I love Blueberries! They are like candy in my house as we freeze them and use them in every dish possible including my kids personal favourite, breakfast smoothies. (You can sneak alot of 'healthy' things into a smoothie!). Did you know that Canada ranks second in the world for blueberry growers? Starting this week, Blue Groves Fruit Farms from West Lorne will be at the market with buckets of blueberries. (and great recipe ideas!)

Unless you tune your mother nature clock to the seasons or happen to be a grower yourself, it is difficult to stay up-to-date on what produce is in-season. McSmith's Organics have a handy chart on the back of one of their brochures for quick reference. You can pick up a brochure at McSmith's table or inside the market building at the information stand in the back foyer. McSmith's will have bunches of broccoli, green & yellow zukes, red & golden beets, black rasperries and a variety of lettuces. Add fresh cut flowers to your table setting from Janis Smith Flowers where you can pick up the first of this season's glads.

Next week (July 25th) there will be samples of bean marinades (McSmith's) and herb dips (from Heritage Line Herbs) to give you an idea or two on how to expand your horizons with beans. We will have a sample table set up in the outdoor cafe where you can also sign up for the customer appreciation draw.

On August 1st we are celebrating the Market's 131st Birthday. Get your singing voices ready as we want to hear you give us your version of 'Good Things Grow In Ontario'. There will be music, birthday cake and face painting as well as visits from the local dignitaries.

And this week, West Lorne is celebrating their annual Cowboys & Cactus event. Erie Gardens and Empire Valley Farms will be partipating in this event so you will not see them at the market until next week.

We have new vendors coming almost every week this month - be sure to stop be the new jewlery/artisan vendors Ann Grace Creations and Devarati Jewlery. And for produce, DeBackere Farms, John Martin Produce, and BlueGroves Fruit Farms.

I have heard many people say that they shop first at the market and can get most of what they need there. This reduces the number of trips to the big box stores, reduces our ecological footprint, and increases our ability to sustain our local economy. Continue to pass on the word about the Horton Farmers Market by forwarding this update and by bringing someone new to the market. Invite them for a Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo and a Sin-o-Bun for a special treat after. One of the most effective ways to advertise is still the tried-and-true method of Word of Mouth.

See you soon at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Horton Market Happenings....

I picked this title for this week's post because you will see the same title in our community paper: The Super Shopper. We have started a 'Faces at Horton Market' advertisement there where you might recognize a few of our vendors. I am drawn again and again to the theme of community and how the market is a perfect venue for participating and solidifying our community. No matter the weather, what is 'in-season', or what you already bought for groceries this week, you can connect at the market.

As we head into mid-July, our produce vendors are increasing. This week, expect to see a few more new vendors including DeBackere Farms, John Martin Produce, and the ladies from Fingal United Church selling fresh-baked pies! Inside, be sure to stop by the Fresh Fest booth to pick up your tickets for this 'Local Taste Experience' happening on Thursday August 20th @ the CASO station. You will also get an opportunity to meet some of the artists featured in Relish Elgin's 'Arts in Elgin Special Edition' launch. This weekend is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Last week the public library came to the market with books for all ages and a summer reading program for children called Agent 009. The library will be at the market the first Saturday of every month for the remainder of the market season. You can sign up for a card and check your books out on the spot - even read a page or two at one of our cafes.

And the Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo is amazing! Last week, Sandy from Farmgate added a sausage option - this week they are sweetening the deal with CHEESE! With a portion of the proceeds going directly back to the market, everyone benefits, twice over. If you sampled the chocolate covered strawberries last week, they were conceived from the funds from the breakfast sandwich - how cool is that? (and we purchased the berries from Berry Hill Fruit Farms-me and Dick Saarloos from Berry Hill to the right here - so you see the layers of community we touch?)

The customer appreciation draw is always a highlight of my Saturday at the market. I love giving gifts and it is always rewarding to see the happy winner truly amazed at the bounty of what the vendors contribute to this prize every week. Be sure to sign up - find the green & white Foodland Ontario balloons. I like to move this around so that everyone gets an opportunity to meet the vendors close by - we do tend to be creatures of habit and might miss a few things.

So, back to the community theme. Be sure to say 'Hi' to one new vendor this week at the market, even if you don't purchase from them. Every one appreciates the warmth and camaraderie (which, according to Webster is defined as 'a spirit of friendly good-fellowship').

I look forward to seeing you at the Market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

P.S. - look for an editorial by yours truly in the Super Shopper. I ponder a bit more about community, food, and connectedness.

Celebrate at the Market!

Happy Birthday Canada!!!

How did you celebrate Canada's birthday? There are many traditional ways - fireworks, BBQ's, and gathering with family and friends. And, my personal favourite- giving thanks for this amazing country that we live in and the many privileges that come with that. This Saturday at the market is another opportunity to celebrate. We will have face-painting (not just for the kids you know), crazy canuck sales (see Erie Gardens), AND chocolate covered strawberries (for FREE!).

Strawberry season is winding down - Thanks to Berry Hill Fruit Farms for the strawberries that you will get to sample on Saturday. Just today, I purchased a few pounds of dark chocolate from Scoops in downtown St. Thomas for the dipping. We will set up all festivities in the outdoor cafe - be sure to sign up for the customer appreciation draw when you are there.



Gluten-free products at the market! More vendors are receiving requests for gluten-free products. You already know about Farmgate and the gluten-free meat they sell, but did you know that Village Pantry Restaurant will now be selling all gluten-free products and only at the Horton Farmers Market? Christine from Village Pantry is very picky about the ingredients that go into all of her products, and you can taste it in every bite! And Kim from Green Leaf Pastry will have 2 different gluten-free baked goods every week at the market. Her chocolate brownies are my personal favourite!


I am so excited about all the upcoming events and produce at the market! There are times when I do not get a chance to tell you about it here in the blog, as some vendors don't know until Saturday morning what's coming to the market that day - tis the nature of Mother Nature. A little uncertainty is a good thing.

Look forward to seeing you at the Market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager,
Dreamer,
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Coniseur

P.S. - I had TWO Horton Breakfast Sandwichs last week - I figured my morning starts VERY early (5am) so it's more like breakfast and lunch for me. I have always been a big fan of breakfast sandwichs at any time of the day! :-)

Community at the Market....

What a wonderfully busy, community day last Saturday was. It was Father's Day weekend with several events happening around Elgin including the Wings & Wheels Air Show, the Strawberry Socials at the CASO train station and in Sparta. And we had record numbers at the market! Rain did not deter the market crowd and we had vendors selling out of their product before 10am.

The launch of the Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo last weekend was a huge success! Peameal bacon from Farmgate Markets, farm fresh eggs from Frisa Farms, on an english muffin, with coffee from Coffee Culture (or juice or water if you prefer). A portion of proceeds from each sandwich goes directly back to the Horton Market. See the folks at Farmgate Markets for your Horton Breakfast sandwich and have breakfast at one of our indoor or outdoor cafes.

One of the things that help create a true, community oriented farmers' market is the vendors. Each week I will feature one or two of our vendors so you get an opportunity to meet them and hear their stories - which you may not be able to do during market hours.

Farmgate Markets Inc.

Sandy Lyle and Ray Coddington are the business partners behind Farmgate Markets. Sandy is a full-time farmer who previously had a retail store for frozen meats at his family farm on Fingal Line. They did well with the retail portion, running that from the farm from 1992 to 1997, at which point they started to outgrow their space. He and his farm partner decided to focus on the farming business and they closed the retail portion - or rather, put that business plan on the shelf. Fast forward to 2004 where Sandy and a hockey buddy started talking again about the retail meat business and Farmgate Markets Inc was born.

Now, they needed a really good butcher and placed an ad in the papers. As Sandy says: "Ray was our first hire and we got really lucky with him." Ray's credentials as a licensed Canadian Butcher are top notch. He graduated in the top 3 butchers in all Ontario, apprenticed for 6 years, and trained with 3 master butchers from Germany (hence the REALLY good sausage recipes he makes in-shop). His personal recipes are a testament of his training and his passion. Some recipes have come to him on first try, some have been perfected over years of trial and tribulation. At the time of Farmgate's inception, Ray was working in the wholesale meat industry but missed the customer interaction he had gotten from 15 prior years working in butcher shops and markets. He was living in St. Thomas, saw the ad, and answered the call - synchronicity at it's best!

Ray worked for Sandy and his business partner for about a year, at which time, the structure of Farmgate changed to offer Ray the opportunity to join Sandy as full partner in the business. These guys are passionate about fresh meat - drug free, hormone free, 100% corn fed, no phosphates, no bi-products, and all Ontario raised. They make all of their deli meats and sausage in-shop so you know (and can watch) how it's made. There is an increased demand for this type of production in the meat industry as people's allergies and food sensitivities are on the rise. Their product is ideal for a gluten-free diet.

They have truly built their business from scratch. And their passion and committment to their customers is evident. They have seen both their regular customers at the Horton Farmers Market and some new folks who had not yet heard of Farmgate Markets. (the majority of their advertising is word-of-mouth and it is still spreading fast!) You can also visit them at their shop at 310 Wellington St (south-west corner of Wellington and First Ave) for a full selection of meats, deli cuts, sausages and now carrying some local seasonal veggies to help round out that BBQ meal.

We are happy to have them with us every week as a full-season vendor in the newly renovated market building. Both Ray and Sandy have contributed many hours to the market not only with their on-site shop, but also with their expertise and business advice. Kudos of gratitude!

On a closing note......

As we swing into summer riding this heat wave - expect the market tables to be bursting with produce. Come celebrate Canada's Birthday with us on July 4th - strawberries, kids coralle, and sampling for everyone. Also, the St. Thomas Public Library will be at the market the first Saturday of each month with a selection of books related to the market and community. Bring your library card as you can check these books out on-site!

The connectedness and community spirit is alive and flourishing at the market - a cornerstone of our memories and what keeps us grounded during these turbulent times. These are the times when we take a step back and realize what we are grateful for. I am grateful to be a part of this community. Thank you, as always, for all of your feedback and suggestions. I am glad we connected.

See you at the Market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

(p.s. A SPECIAL thank you to my aunt - Patti Kilmer - one of the resident photographers - MANY great pics to share with you over the next few posts)

NEW - Horton Breakfast Sandwich Combo

What happens when like-minded business' get together and start talking?

Introducing the new HORTON BREAKFAST SANDWICH combo! The folks from Farmgate Markets, Frisa Farms, and Coffee Cultures have cooked up a new, fresh idea to serve breakfast at the market. Farmgate's will be making breakfast sandwiches using their bacon, eggs from Frisa Farms, and coffee from Coffee Cultures to make this combo - all for $5. Or, if you prefer, you can have it with juice instead. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this combo goes back to the Market for promotional funds!
(pssst - Farmgate Markets will be our vendor feature next week)
This weekend is Father's Day - why not barbeque for Dad for a change? Or bring your Dad to the market for breakfast and a coffee?

Strawberry season is here! Berry Hill Fruit Farms is back with their selection of quarts or flats of berries.

McSmiths Organics will have organic strawberries along with loads of lettuce, spinach and bunched beets.

And the Senior Centre folks are back this week with Strawberry Pies! These always sell -out quick so come early!

Green Leaf Pastry is back this week and for the remainder of the market season. Kim, along with her four adorable kids, brings organic specialty baked goods, lemonade, and products from her art studio, Green Fusion.

Be sure to check the NEW "Horton Market Happenings" board in the back lobby of the market building. It lists all upcoming events, contests, and special guests for the market season. We will be asking you - the consumer - to participate in these events by sharing your ideas, your recipes, and your best practices for all kinds of activies from canning & preserving to growing a really big pumpkin.

Look for the customer appreciation draw at a different location throughout the market each Saturday. Follow the 'Foodland Ontario' green and white balloons. This past weeks winner was Lily Lang - Congratulations!

As a friendly reminder, there are no Pets allowed in the market building (signs now posted at entrances). Please continue to send your feedback and comments or track me down at the market - I welcome them all!

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Summary of Market Season so far....

Sorry All - Resending the correct version - I am learning quickly about admin of this valuable tool.

For June 13th at the market….



STRAWBERRIES are HERE!!!! See Berry Hill Fruit Farms for the first pick of the crop!



I remember studying the term Work-In-Progress (WIP) during my university years and thinking then that it was odd to have an actual term for something not quite finished. The more I apply the WIP theory, the more I question: Is anything ever really finished? This year at the Horton Farmers Market is most accurately defined as a WIP year. With the re-opening of the building after many years of inactivity and the shift in our value system to a more locally defined community, we see the work progress forward to a constantly shifting end-product. As we continue to re-define the terms: local, sustainable, producer-based, and healthy eating, so to do the boundaries shift of our local farmers market. So to is this blog a WIP. You may notice changes as we go along - just me getting used to communicating via this method. So after a month of operation this season, here is a brief summary of one of our most valuable inputs -the vendors. After this post, I will start to profile the vendors individually so you can get to know them and their stories. I will continue to announce new vendors, market specials, and upcoming events.


See you at the Market,



Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Our Indoor Vendors

Farmgate Markets Inc. - this week's special is Old Fashion Summer Sausage! They will not have the gluten free organic breads this week at the market but you can still pick that up at their shop.
Frisa Farms Eggs - pick your own eggs! Bring your own cartons as they are not able to supply recycled cartons. I have a few cartons in the lobby if you would like to recycle those.
Oegema’s Turkey Shoppe - turkey is a great BBQ treat and so good for your diet. Their variety of turkey items is unbeatable - something for every type of cook from BBQ to gourmet!
Coffee Cultures- aside from coffee they sell meal-size muffins, tarts, cookies, and scones. Enjoy your coffee and treat at our indoor cafe.
Jaydancin- Vickie will be making STRAWBERRY and GARDENERS soap this weekend.
Three.Two.Three - a new business venture by two ladies, Jane and Kate. They make herbal teas, lavendar packs, and chakra pillows, using all recycled and organic materials.
Donna Susi Jewellery- beautiful austrian crystal jewelry and other bead work.
Distinctively Tea - bringing a wide selection of loose teas for you to sample and purchase.



Our Outdoor Vendors

Janis McGregor Smith is getting married this weekend so Cathy and Gary from McSmiths Organics will not be at the market. And, newlyweds, Janis & Mark will be back at the market with fresh cut flowers - all AFTER THE WEDDING

Shitake Mushrooms - Carl and Judy Lindsay brought mushrooms to to the market last week and sold out by 10am - they had to rush in another load so they will be ready this week with a full supply.



Hertiage Line Herbs -have a variety of potted herbs to create your own herb garden at home plus dried seasonings for all your cooking requirements.


Berry Hill Fruit Farms - STRAWBERRIES!!!!! The season starts this saturday for Alice of Berry Hill Fruit Farms - I know she is going to be busy!



Erie Gardens - Mary Joicus brings potted plants, flowers, basket arrangements, and loads of gardening expertise each week.


Kids Kraft Korner - The girls think up a creative new craft each week for kids to do, requesting only a small donation to help cover costs.

Janssens Farms - one of our seasoned vendors bringing a variety of fresh veggies, fruit, and apple cider.


Spring Spear-it - Asparagus season is winding down - great your fresh asparagus while it lasts.
Kosciks Greenhouse- Tomatoes that are ground-grown in the greenhouse AND pesticide free! Stan and Rob will be in the North Pavilion.

Leslie Smale - she has several variety of Dalia Tubers - $1 each!!!! This will be her last week so be sure to see her in the North Pavilion and check out her photos of how the daliahs will look in full bloom.

Empire Valley Farms - brings potted plants and herbs

Shasta Dolphin - handcrafted kids hair accessories, knitted hats and kids clothing.

Village Pantry of Belmont - Dilly Dally Bean Dip, Banana Chocolate Chip cookies, and gluten free almond cookies all homemade with only the finest ingredients.

Bonnie Doon Beach Glass Artistry - handcrafted glass jewelry and houseware items

Ethel Mitrovic Pottery - dragonflies & whimsy in her work. Her pottery is both decorative and practical.


Lotus Thai - fresh spring rolls, sticky rice and pad thai!



Sin-O-Buns - baked before your eyes!


Palmers Maple Syrup - maple syrup and different treats to hit that sweet tooth!


Gibsons Honey - bringing honey and beeswax candles.

June brings sunshine,

... shorts, and farm fresh summer produce.

Kosciks tomatoes were a big hit this past Saturday. They will be located in the North pavilion this Saturday along with Empire Farms, Lotus Thai and Sin-o-buns. As the produce grows, so to do the number of vendors at the market. Some of our vendors are full-time vendors, some only come during their product-specific growing season, and some come on an occasional basis. So we get a mix of what’s growing and what creative people are selling. Be sure to visit all three buildings of the market to see what’s happening and who’s selling where.

The interior vendors are a bit of a different story. With the coolers designated to specific spots, those vendors are anchored there. Farmgate Markets, Frisa Farm Eggs, and Oegama’s Turkey Shoppe are there every Saturday with a variety of BBQ needs. Did you try the gluten-free breads yet from Farmgate? Look for Coffee Culture in a new location down a little closer to the indoor café. We can better service your sit-down coffee needs by being a little closer to the café.

Jaydancin soap-making demo’s are a big hit! They show you how easy it is to make your own all-natural soap and adjust the ingredients to suit your needs and preferences. Depending on what kind she is making, you can smell spearmint, sweet orange, or lemon basil drifting in the air.

The herbal products from Three.Two.Three are fun and functional! The Snuggy poos were adorable and very friendly on the environment. All made from recycled materials.

And the family from McSmiths Organics are preparing for a wedding – their daughter Janis (who is also a market vendor for flowers but not till after the wedding) is marrying Mark. So they are using the spinach at the wedding, which is at their farm by the way. They will have loads of lettuce, green onions, and beet greens as they were a big seller. Next Saturday, June 13 is the wedding so McSmiths will not be at the market but look for them returning on June 20^th.

Our customer appreciation draw winner was Tammy Shaw. This is one of my most enjoyed activities of being the market manager – I get to give the presents every Saturday morning. Be sure to sign up – I leave the basket at the indoor café.

My role of market manager is diverse.

The St. Thomas Horton Farmers Market is governed by a board of management that reports to City Council. Once per month we all get together to discuss the on-going improvement of the market and what it offers to our community. The are several people who volunteer their time and effort and nameless support to see the market prosper.

Thank you to everyone involved! It is no small task to bring the market to you each week even for the short 4 hour period that it currently operates.

Be seeing you at the market,

Cheers,
Tricia