Eat fesh, eat local at the Market!
Business
Posted By Miriam King
Posted 2 months ago
From right, Executive Director of the Holland Marsh Growers Association Jamie Reaume, MPP Julia Munro, BWG Mayor Doug White, MP for York-Simcoe Peter Van Loan, Economic Development Manager Michael Disano, Farmers Market manager Caroline Weatherhead, Bradford Board of Trade rep Vicky Zanatta cut the ribbon to officially open the Market.
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The Bradford West Gwillimbury Farmers' Market officially opened for a 3rd year on June 12, with a new look, new backers, and a new location.
The Market is now held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bradford & District Community Centre, 125 Simcoe Rd. - a venue that offers plenty of space for an expanding list of vendors, and plenty of parking for the public. The Town is the lead organizer and has hired manager Caroline Weatherhead to manage the Market, and the Holland Marsh Growers' Association is a partner in the venture.
As Manager of Economic Development Michael Disano explained, "We recognize the important of providing local produce to our residents and visitors alike."
The emphasis was all on fresh, local produce, as MP for York Simcoe Peter Van Loan, MPP Julia Munro and Mayor Doug White added their congratulations, before cutting the ribbon to declare the Market officially open.
Munro praised the Town for helping visitors and residents "understand the importance of agriculture in this community, and by providing a Farmers' Market that's the best venue for providing that connection."
Mayor White noted that while most Ontarians may not know Bradford, "recognition of the Holland Marsh is 100%... The Salad Bowl of Canada."
He presented a certificate of appreciation to Jamie Reaume, Executive Director of the Holland Marsh Growers' Association, noting, "Agriculture built this community. It's still an important part of our economy."
"Farmers' markets are the cornerstone of any society we've developed. They've been around for 10,000 years," said Reaume, who emphasized the importance of locally-grown produce, in terms of freshness, and taste. "There's nothing like the very first taste of a strawberry in Ontario. It makes California strawberries taste like wood.
"You're eating fresh, you're eating local. You people are blessed."
The Bradford Farmers' market offered fresh baked goods, natural meats and meat products from Dingo Farms, crafts, honey, fresh-cut flowers and plants for the garden – and an array of early local fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, radishes, cucumbers, heritage and vine tomatoes, rhubarb, and strawberries.
