Autumn chill already?

It was a chilly day at the market last weekend. A few people mentioned that it was almost as cold as our first market day - well, maybe not that cold. Brisk, fresh, invigorating for sure. It has been a welcome break to the heavy heat of the summer. And it looks like more of the same for this weekend. This is the short time of the season where the temperature is just right inside the building!

A few vendors are away this weekend including Green Leaf Pastries, The Mixing Bowl, Troupe Farms (peaches) and the Mennonite Martin Family produce. And a few vendors returning this weekend such as Gail McNaughton with her new IPM 2010 postcards, En Fleur Lavender In Bloom, and Janis & Mark Harris with flowers.

A smaller version of the farmers' market will be happening everyday at the International Plowing Match happening September 21-25th on Highway #3 just before the St. Thomas Airport. What a site to behold as the mini-city begins to take form. What this means for you is you can access a farmers' market for 5 days, 8:30am to 5pm. It also means that some of our vendors will be working like crazy to cover both that event and our regular market day on September 25th. A few vendors will only be at the plowing match that weekend but we will still have a full house. Farmgate Markets will be away that weekend also for a very exciting new venture they have taken on - they are moving their business location to a much bigger space! Congratulations to Sandy and Ray and the whole Farmgate team as they move shop that weekend and open for business in their new location (Elgin Street behind the TD Canada Trust on Talbot) on October 4th.

The other exciting thing happening at the market occurs on September 18th. The library is helping comemorate the historical events in St. Thomas being the 125th anniversary of Jumbo the elephant's death. They will have a collection of books and historical information regarding Jumbo and there will be special treats that day to sample (more details to follow). There will also be a video display and art work on display. We are looking for donations of the extra large pickle jars if anyone has any they would like to contribute. They can be dropped off in my office at the market (I know you would think I don't have an office as I am never in there - I do stop in there occasionally :-)

I saw lots of folks back at the market this weekend - everyone's back from holidays, settling into Autumn's rhythm. You may not see Amber deJong from Frisa Farms (egg vendor) back to the market yet - she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. But then you never know, the market babies seem to love it there too! (sorry, I tried to add more pictures but the service is not letting me right now - more photos next week)

A big thank you to all that responded to last week's newsletter - there were plenty of good suggestions and positive comments about the market. Like one of my favourite sayings: It's all good.

Pull out the socks and sweaters and see you bright and early at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

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

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Last night was FreshFest at the CASO Train Station on Talbot Street in downtown St. Thomas. Welcome to all new members who signed up for the newsletter there! We had a great time! I loved the tomato and goat cheese tart - it was a combined effort from the chef from Braxton's in town here, and produce from market vendor McSmith's Organics. And of course, the flourless chocolate cake from Kim Saunders of the Windjammer in Port Stanley gets me every time.

I meet alot of folks coming to our market from Port Stanley, Aylmer, and London. You are one of the most effective forms of advertising - sharing your experience by bringing your friends and family (Thanks J.F. for bringing new friends every time to share the experience).

I got a first-hand taste of that market atmosphere from a unique perspective this past Saturday. An early appointment had me away from the market for the first hour. When I arrived just after 9am, I could 'feel the buzz' from almost a block away. I parked down on the corner, passing crowds of people both coming and going. Because I am already in that market bubble Saturday mornings, I don't get the chance to see that from the outside. It was an awesome perspective - you can't help but be drawn into the cheer and enthusiasm happening there.

Fall is in the air and I love it! We have two months left of this market season where the stalls overflow with Autumn's harvest. We are stocking the pantry and lingering a little longer over the morning breakfast sandwich and coffee. Socks and sweaters are once again part of the early morning attire.

Vendors in the North Pavilion include: DeBackere Farms, Palmers Maple Syrup, Paw4Mance Natural Dog Food, Berry Hill Fruit Farm, Janis Smith Fresh Cut Flowers, McSmith's Organics, Empire Valley Farms, Lindsay Shitake Mushrooms, Shasta Dolphin (hand knitt hats, mittens, and children's accessories), SW Gardens (hostas, lillies, etc.), Green Leaf Pastries (oh my- yummy scones), Grammies Creations (away this week), Chris Dancey Heirloom Organic Tomatoes, Mark Wales Farms (intensely flavourfull garlic), Erie Gardens, and Janssens Farms.

Gail McNaughton will be at the market this week with her commerative greeting cards and mystical artwork. Also, Isabelle Nethercott will be there apprenticing in face painting for the kids. The IPM Souvenir Van will be there also.

Congratulations to Geraldine Smith who won the customer appreciation draw this week. We have more and more folks signing up for the draw every week also. I wish you all luck with the draw!

Remember to bring your own bags and coffee mugs (and containers when possible). Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

2 Manitoba St, St. Thomas

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Local Food = Good Times

I actually heard the words 'rain' and 'saturday' used together in a sentence regarding this upcoming Saturday at the market. Can this be? We have not seen rain at the market, nor in other areas, for quite some time now. Not much changes at the market in the event of rain... perhaps just a little more indoor time. Fresh cut flowers from Janis Smith's table can brighten any table.

I just returned from a presentation by municipal councillor Gord Hume at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. His new book is called the Local Food Revolution. His presentation included pictures of the St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market of which he visited a few weeks ago. And the importance of farmers' markets in the local food movement. One of the key things farmers markets provides is a distribution channel that is sustainable. Your produce leaves the farm, touches the table at the market and arrives in your home in one to two days. The alternative channels pass through far more handling stations, transportation time, and lack of sufficient growing time in the field. One of Gord's key points: we as citizens have a right to access nutritious, local, sustainable food and we can ensure that who we elect for council has a vested interest in the same. (Of course, I have so much more to say about this huge topic; will share more with each post.)

New vendors at the market this weekend..... Tammy from Gredig's Orchards is returning this season with Paula Reds and Ginger Gold apples. Caverly Smith will be bringing some of her original artwork in watercolour and acrylics, and you never know who else might show. Last week we had Simpson Farms bring some very big brocoli and Jacqui from Moonstone Aromatherapy had an extra table set up inside with a pampering hand exfoliation station.

Kim of Green Leaf Pasteries is away another week - I know, no scones! She will be back on the 28th and a few other vendors are close to finishing in the next few weeks - I will keep you posted.

One of my roles as market manager is to round up the trash when market day is done (I know there are a few guys who will say that I round them up to round up the trash - R & J :-) and I have often picked cans and coffee cups out of the trash and threw them in the blue bin beside the trash can. The coffee cups are acutally compostable but I am aiming for at least recycled please. There are blue bins at every door, at Farmgates station and in the North Pavilion. Better yet, purchase one of the Fire Roasted travel cups from the coffee guys at Part Time Peasant, get a discount on your coffee refills, and work with the first 'R' - Reduce. Please continue to bring your shopping bags, baskets, and containers to fill. Many Thanks.

This is crazy but I am already planning for back to school for the kids - how did that happen? Feels like we just got started! Let's slow down, stay for the two-count coffee (& perhaps the 2nd breakfast sandwich), chat, and savour every moment. Please stop to say Hi. I have stopped writing the column for the Weekly News for now; that was volunteer and consuming too much of my world at the moment. You will hear from me here and I will definetly be seeing you at the market.

P.S. - since my Aunt Patti, the volunteer photographer is in Nicaragua right now, I will be using some repeat photos and some from last year at this time. sorry for the repeats and three-peats as I am sure I pick my favs over and over again.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Do you CAN (preserve, freeze, blanche)?

I am rather excited about the guest we have presenting this weekend at the market! (If your not, that's okay - we have lots of vendors selling their fresh preserves!) Deb from Bernardin Canning will be there to demonstrate, to field questions, and to make the art of canning easy for everyone. She will be set up in the North Pavilion and will be available all morning. We have 100 Bernardin shopping bags to give away filled with helpful information. I have a box of mason jars that I have pulled out of the pantry and will be making my first real attempt at canning (starting with tomatoes).

If freezing is more your thing, which I love because it is quick and easy and it seems to make the market season last that much longer, then you could check out these easy tips offered from Monika at R-Grow farms. Freezing corn and melons - and if you scroll down on the site you can find tips for freezing pretty much anything else we have to offer at the market. If we could only find a way to freeze lettuce......

We had another record day at the market last week. Every table outside was occupied and only 3 spaces available inside (because vendors were on holidays!). A total of 41 vendors and our highest vendor revenue day yet. Our market is generating a good buzz, with tourist appeal. One visitor last week was from Saskatchewan; another from Cambridge. Folks are starting to bring their guests to the market first before any other planned visits. This ties in well with our new membership with Savour Elgin - the county's very own culinary trail. I attended a meeting today regarding the final details of the launch, happening at Fresh Fest on August 26th. All the details are in place, the material looks entincing, and the member list is growing.

Along with my standing order of fresh-baked scones and hot samosa, I'll be looking for corn, melons, pickling cukes, garlic, dill, peppers, beans, maybe sweet potatoes, and of course tomatoes. I am tempted by the soft peaches to make jam, and hopefully a basket or two of blueberries to freeze. If you are looking for me this week, you will likely find me close to the canning demo.

Congratulations to Angie Mailhot who won the customer appreciation draw this week. The ladies from the PAN Mission Nicaragua trip left a few items to donate to the winning customer. The ladies left today and are likely arriving in Nicaragua right about now (as I type this). I am always amazed by what travel does to the senses; this morning they got up in St. Thomas, Ontario; tonight they lay down to sleep in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America. I look forward to stories of their adventure which you can follow on Patti's blog.

The weather seems to have eased up a bit tonight; the cricketsong is beautiful as I sign off, the air conditioner finally getting a much needed break. Feel free to bring your fans for the indoor market space this Saturday - I am not even going to pretend - it will be hot, humid, and muggy in there.

See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

I recently spent a little time in nature in the beautiful north - sharing space with the river otters, loons, a rather large snapping turtle, and some amazing friends. The trip home took ten hours because we decided to just head south and stop whenever the urge hit. While in Bancroft where we stopped for lunch, I caught a glimpse of the farmers' market happening on the main drag. A few temporary tents and an artistian exhibit tied in with a coffee shop and bakery business. This was a Thursday market that had maybe 15 vendors; it is hard to say what their Saturday market would be like but it reminded me of a few things to be extremely grateful for at our own Horton Farmers' Market.

The building and outdoor pavilions of our market were built to last. The upgrades, including the most recent project of the re-opening of the building, have enhanced the convience of our facility. We have excellent shelter from two market troublesome weather conditions - rain and wind. We don't have to worry about setup and take down of tents, and we have washrooms and hydro on site. We still have free parking and the outdoor vendors get to drive up to their stalls and use their vehicles as additional storage/space to vend.

Another key element is the richness and diversity of our area farmers' market-garden crop. The kids and I play a game where we try to name all the vegetables we know of a certain colour. My favourite is purple - on market day I have found cauliflower, beans, carrots and eggplant all in a beautiful shade of purple.

This saturday we have few more new vendors including Chris Dancey bringing her heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and organic popcorn. The young girls from Purple Panda creations are back with their new venture into entrepreneurism selling their handcrafted jewlery and other items. Artisit Heather Keating will have some of her creations on display and Jaina is returning with her daughters selling Indian Samosa (I bought 6 that disappeared in less than an hour after market ended). Freshfest will be there every Saturday until the even on August 26th and Janine Tucker will have a stall with En Fleur Lavender in Bloom.

I am would love to list all the vendors every week just to remind everyone who is there and what is available but the list is extensive and keeps growing. Even if they are not your regular vendors, please take time to say Hi and chat if space and your schedule allow. Stan from Kosic's Tomatos always has a story to tell; Gary & Pom at Lotus Thai are famous for their spring rolls; Ralph Troupe of Troupe Farms has a whole crew of folks both behind and infront of his stall who are happy to chat, and the team at R-Grow Farms - I love seeing the creative ways they display their sweet potato and yellow watermelon.

Congratulations to Deb Dees on winning the customer appreciation draw. Deb is a long-time market attendee and she and I often chat on market mornings about life. My daughter draws the winner out of the ballots each week and she is always so excited by her task.

Please mark Thursday, August 19th, 7pm on your calendar as busy and plan to take in a presentation at the Senior's Centre in St. Thomas by municpal councillor Gord Hume. His book is called the Local Food Revolution and he has a lot to say about food and politics. His book will be available then or you could pick up a copy at Municipal World in Sparta.

My apologies in the delay of this post. My timing was a bit off this week and I haven't quite got the Wi-Fi-while-travelling thing down pat.

Look foward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

Mid Season Already?

I have said before that commenting on 'how fast things are going' only makes them move faster. But this comment needs to be said: This Saturday is the 13th of 26 Saturdays for the 2010 Market Season -the half way mark. I want it to slow down. Slow food, savoured memories, bounty shared. We had an amazing market last Saturday. Several produce vendors sold out, the breakfast sandwich crew barely had a chance to look up from the griddle, and the coffee guys were brewing fresh java non-stop.

The coffee story is a little different this week. Jason and Greg from Part Time Peasant are away this weekend, but they have worked out a way to continue to provide their fresh brew and to give back in a very connected way. I have mentioned many times about my Mom (Sandy) and my Aunt (Patti) going to Nicarauga with PanMissions to teach women to sew and to help build sustainable business practices there. Jason has donated all coffee, supplies, and profits this week to Sandy and Patti to help towards their costs of participating in the mission trip. To further help them out, Ray and Sandy from Farmgate Markets are also donating $1 from each breakfast sandwich sold on Saturday to the cause. To make things a little easier on the ladies, they are only brewing the Peasant Blend coffee and selling the same blend beans.

Starting this weekend, Fresh Fest will have an outdoor booth selling tickets for their second annual event. Look for their booth in the far pavilion. The market will have an information booth at the Fresh Fest event, being held on Thursday, August 26 at the CASO station. They have another exciting venue lined up including the lauch of Savour Elgin, our new culinary tourism event of the county.

Erie Gardens and the Kids Kraft Korner will be at the market this Saturday then taking most of August off. If the fall mums bloom in-line with everything else this year - early - the will likely be back the last weekend in August. Remember peach pie? The Senior Centre team will be there this week selling their now famous peach pies. Grab one early as they tend to go quickly!

Congratulations to Tammy Herrig who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. As promised in an earlier newsletter, we managed to get a photo of one of the winners. This is from a few weeks ago when Carl Bagshaw won the basket. Everyone always comments on the shopping I have been doing when they see me walking around with the green bucket. It's overflowing with prizes for the draw which happens every week!


I remember going to the market with my mom when I was a child. We lived a few doors down on Manitoba street and at that time I could barely see over the tops of the green tables that used to line what is now the parking lot. The building was closed and boarded up and I often wondered what stories were held within those walls and dusty windows. Every Saturday we relive some of those market memories of yester-year and are creating many new ones.

Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,


Tricia Herbert
Market Manager
St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market
2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON
http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/
www.hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Welcome to the new members of this newsletter who have signed up this season. Each week I add a few more names to the growing list from those who designate it on the customer appreciation draw ballots. This past week was a record with 15 new names added. Be sure to puruse through previous posts at the blog to find out what's been happening at the Horton Farmers' Market this year.

You may have started canning already. Look for pickling cukes and garlic, free-stone peaches, and maybe a little salsa. The barbeque should be well seasoned by now - don't forget Oegema's Turkey Shoppe has four different flavours of turkey burgers in the freezer. And Ray at Farmgates almost always has a new brand of sausage to try.

Donna handcrafts all her jewlery at SUSQI Designs - she's having a summer holiday sale this weekend on all her bracelets and earrings (her holidays start after this Saturday's market). That is the other thing you might notice - the vendors get to have holidays too. Martin's Produce are away this week, returning next saturday, as well as the PAN Mission fundraising team of Pat and Sandy.

I keep track of certain stats on a weekly basis including number of vendors, estimated revenue generated by the vendors, and stall rental receipts. All of the numbers are up again this year, at our almost midway mark (July 31st is the 13th of 26 Saturdays). I see lots of new faces every Saturday and I continue to hear stories of how the market is like it used to be - a guaranteed social gathering every Saturday morning. I continue to be awed by that factor as well - I love going to the market!

Congratulations to Sue Koroscil who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. The bucket is always overflowing and the winners always very grateful to the vendors for their gifts. I send the 'Thanks' both ways. I have little else to say - odd, I know.

Life is good. See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

2 Manitoba St, St. Thomas, ON

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Standing Room Only....

The St. Thomas Public Library has done this really cool thing for the market - they brought Wi-Fi! They have a booth there every week where you can purchase used books and borrow the latest titles. Bring your laptop and sit for a breakfast sandwich or two and just absorb the market buzz. It did get a little warm last week with the sun bearing down on the tables out front - don't forget about the outdoor cafe area in the far pavilion. I will be bringing more tables and chairs out to that area so we have a little more shelter for folks to linger. ( FYI no accessible hydro hookup)

Well, I do believe this weekend we will hit capacity - vendor standing room only! I have had several requests from vendors wishing to start at the market this week. R-Grow farms is returning with sweet corn and melons. Monkia, Anita and Joe are excited to be returning a few weeks early - Monika called me from the field to say they will have the two large tables in the North Pavilion. Mark Wales is returning with garlic, blueberries, and yellow beans. And the Treat Ladies are starting inside - they have told me of carmalized apples, baked pretzels, and all things yummy. Add a few more craft vendors selling handmade birdhouses and children's pillows for a well rounded mix. I will be starting that vendor waiting list in earnest after this weekend. That is exciting to see our reputation growing.

With 40 or so vendors plus all the enquires I field during the week, there is much information and details that are shared. I know there will be peaches from Ralph Troup this week, lots of greens still with McSmiths, and blueberries from Bluegroves. I inhaled 2 pints by Sunday afternoon. And of course, my latest addiction, the scones from Green Leaf Pastries. Last week I bought 2 blueberry and 2 cheese and onion scones- I remember every morsel of each scone. That good. (Photo on the left - a few of my favourite market go-ers and future market managers :-)

I will be spending a little time rearranging the vendors to fit everyone in so please be sure to stop and say hi to everyone and find them all. Nothing too drastic - I know we are creatures of habit.

Bring a friend, stay for a coffee and memories shared. Take home fresh, local products and crafts and enjoy. Please pass this along to anyone who may be interested - we are over 550 members strong and I do not share that list with anyone.

Cheers and see you soon,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519-777-9529

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

More vendors at the market....

With my position as Market Manager comes many perks and a few challenges. I mention the perks often enough and sometimes I hint about the challenges. The perks flow from a central theme - that of connection. Whether we realize it or not, much of our social connections are made through the food we eat. We bond with family, friends, and community often over a shared cup of coffee and a good meal. Every Saturday morning, I look forward to having that first cup of coffee (The Peasant Blend from Jason and Greg) and a breakfast sandwich (from Farmgates) hot off the grill. Because I am there at 6am, I have had a good hour and a half to think about breakfast. I try not to bug the guys too much with my question: "Is it ready yet?"

The challenges stem from the combination of two words: Food and Politics. Enough said.

DeBackere's Farm is starting their 2010 market season this week back in the south pavilion. Some of the produce they are bringing includes peppers, zuchini, green beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Yes, corn. Can you believe it? Early crops are a puzzler - a good sign or a not so good sign? Just one of the many questions you can ask the grower direct.

I am finishing off the cherries from last Saturday (the cherry season is almost done so if you see any this weekend grab them while you can) and breakfast all week consisted of raspberries and blueberries with yogurt and granola. I also took home a fresh-baked scone from Green Leaf Pasteries last week - Kim made those scones with love that left me wising I had purchased more than one.

Last week we had 35 vendors at the market. With a few more new vendors coming in by the end of July we should hit 40. I say this here to give you fair warning - prepare to spend more time at the market. I know people come before work, before yoga class, and after an early bird yard-sale tour. Last week we had a group of friends congregate at the indoor cafe - they helped me close the place up. Lingering for that last bit of laughter shared over samples of chocolate.

And about that chocolate. Sharon Jackson and Eleanor Warren will be returning this week to fundraise for a mission trip to Nicaragua. They are sampling their Xocai healthy dark chocolate and selling 50/50 tickets to support the PAN Mission group. My Mom (Sandy) and my Aunt (Patti) are a part of this year's mission group that are heading to Nicaragua in August to teach women to sew and market their business. Sharon and Eleanor are inside the building raising funds and awareness for the entire mission; Sandy and Patti will have a booth outside selling items they have sewn to help raise funds for their own expenses to be a part of the mission trip.

Congratulations to Carl Bagshaw who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. Everyone who has won the basket is overwhelmed by the bounty of the vendor's gifts. Many of the vendors also read this post so I pass on the Thanks to them.

With the increase in vendors and hence customers at the market there is an increase in the number of four legged friends at the market. I have fielded many concerns about dogs in the market pavilions. They are not allowed in the building and signs are posted at both entrances to this effect. The concerns raised about dogs in the pavilions include having them in close proximity to food, dogs loudly voicing their opinions about other dogs, and the crowding that happens with lots of dogs and lots of people. I am a dog lover at heart but I see both sides of this scenario. If possible please leave your furry friends at home or stay with them around the outskirts of the pavilions. I would love to have a place in the shade to wait with the dogs but our property is not able to accomodate that. We are looking into regulations regarding this topic but in the meantime..... Many Thanks.

So it is that I have written another lengthy post; always signing off with so much more to say and not enough room to say it all. We can chat about it at the market.

See you there,

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com