Photo Karen Graham
Sunday April 23 with More Market Dates
As we welcome, with a sigh of relief, the mounting daylight hours, the appearance of new spring buds and the invigorating songbirds, so too we welcome the return of the Millbrook Farmers’ Market on April 23. After the snow/ice/cold/wind begins to slowly fade from memory, we can once again turn our thoughts back to the garden, to growing and to eating fresh and local.
After five seasons of operation at the Old Millbrook School site, the market continues to grow and evolve. A new vendor management committee has been put into place to oversee its ongoing development, and plans are underway to bring you more local foods, more entertainment and more market dates.
In recent years, market goers have asked that we hold the market more often. A monthly schedule was originally adopted to meet the needs of our vendors (many of whom also do other markets/events), as well as our volunteers (we rely on volunteers and the vendors to make it all happen).
This year, in an effort to meet local demand, we will be hosting three additional markets. During the prime harvest months of July, August and September, markets will be held bi-monthly (twice a month) on the second and fourth Sundays. During the rest of the season, they will continue to be held on the 4th Sunday of the month until October.
The market this season will feature a full slate of vendors offering a wide variety of locally grown, harvested and prepared foods, including organic produce. In addition to food, we are also introducing for the first time a small number of local vendors who make and sell one-of-a-kind, handcrafted artisan products.
The talented musicians will be back, as will the Millbrook Library’s popular book sales and the beloved StoryTree for Kids hosted by the Old Millbrook School Family Centre.
The first market of the season takes place on Sunday, April 23, 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Old Millbrook School, 1 Dufferin Street. You can expect to find our usual array of meats and fish, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, preserves, wine, organic fair trade coffee/chocolate and pet treats. There will also be a wide assortment of vegetable and flower seedlings to help get your own gardens growing.
To celebrate Earth Day this year (April 22), the April market will once again host a local seed swap. If you have (or anticipate having) any leftover flower or vegetable seeds from this year, please bring them to the market in marked envelopes and swap them for something new and untried.
For a complete schedule of market dates and special events, visit our website at www.millbrookfarmersmarket.weebly.com. Lastly, the Millbrook Farmers’ Market welcomes new volunteers. If you are looking for ways to participate in and support your local community, the market is a great place to contribute. If interested, you can contact us through our website or email us at millbrookfarmersmkt@gmail.com.
By Leni Rautiainen
