Fruits + Veggies
Meat + Dairy
Preserves + Specialty Foods
Baking + Prepared Food
Wow! Sooo much to say, and only one tiny newsletter with which to say it! But nonetheless, here I go.
So I suppose I’ll begin with the new season. And why not? Fall officially began on the same day as our last market, September 22. And although it’s off to a rather chilly start, I hope you’re enjoying it all the same.
But regardless of the chilliness of last week’s market, it was nice to see the selection of beautiful flowers still available.
And Fraser, of Aldergrove, is hoping to have more for us next week – fingers crossed!
Ok, now back to our countdown. Yes it’s true – (for this season), there are only five markets left! And this coming Thursday is actually the last one of the month. Sigh.
And as a reminder this week, (September 29th), is the last day to shop from Angelos of Country Meadows. So if you’re wanting to refill your olive oil bottles, or purchase some of Angelos’ fresh and delicious feta cheese or olives, this is your last chance!
And in other news, garlic, garlic, garlic! This super veggie that many of us love, and rely on to flavour many of our favourite dishes, is now available in glorious abundance. And on that note, September 23 through October 2, 2022 is Ontario Garlic Week! For more information, visit: https://www.ontariogarlicweek.ca/
From well-known garlic guru, Peter McClusky:
“Garlic week includes Food & Drink establishments selling via dine in, takeout or delivery, plus farms and farmers’ market locations. You might already have seen promotions in Toronto Star’s The Star Is Ontario Garlic Contest, which was carried in dozens of Metroland papers in Toronto and rural Ontario. Additional promotion and media to follow in radio, TV, print and social media.”
Here were some of the wonderful garlic varieties from Knuckledown Farms, which included Chesnok Red, Polish, Music, Persian Star.
Be sure to visit some of your favourite farmers at market next week, to explore their garlic selections. And with so many amazing recipes focused around garlic, you may find yourself very busy – but deliciously so! 🙂
Ok, and now for some “sweeping news”! Some (and hopefully many) of you may be familiar with “The Kawartha Broom Co”, who sell their wonderfully-handmade straw brooms in various varieties. Well they were to attend our in-person market this season – but now with added demands of family and production in their business, they regrettably, are no longer able to be at Dufferin this season. Yes, very sad.
However, Mary and Bobby did visit me at last week’s market to drop off a few brooms – yay! The brooms will be available for purchase at market next week. Be sure to visit our info table to see the brooms.
Also, any hockey lovers out there?
Kawartha Broom asked to put out this small request:
“If anyone has a wooden hockey stick they no longer need, can they leave it with the market? The bottom blade can be broken off – just the handle needs to be firm, no cracks and the letters clear. In return we will pay $1 a piece towards the Dufferin Grove market.”
Again, visit our info table to drop off hockey sticks. Thanks everyone!
And speaking of “thank yous”, I’ve got a bunch more to do!
So first off, thanks to all who took part, or just enjoyed our (first-ever), baby & children’s clothing swap – what a success! Sarah and Natalie, thank you soo much!
And part of the reason the swap was so successful, was due to the help of two new junior volunteers, Yhali and Victoria. They were hustling and bustling all through the market on Thursday, helping farmers and vendors, tabling the info table, helping with setup in various areas – and all in addition to helping with the clothing swap. Great job girls – thanks so much!
Featured from left to right: Victoria, then Yhali in the centre, and on the right is Sarah, main organizer of the swap.
And thanks to those of you who visited the pizza oven – and to the staff who got it going. So great to see all those joyous faces, delighted to see pizza making back in our park – yes please!
And I’ll extend a final thank you to our very talented musician, Elena, who graced us with her fiddle playing last week. And that was no easy feat – the cold weather on Thursday, proved difficult on her bare fingers. Well done Elena, thank you!
And lastly, I’ll mention things to know (or look out for), at next week’s market.
First, some of you will probably remember (back in June), we had cookbook author, Deirdre Buryk join us, to discuss her “Peak Season” cookbook. Well Dierdre will be back with us for one last time, with some delicious fall samples!
Also returning next week is Harmon’s (non-alcoholic) Craft Brewery. Get it while you can!
And for next week, Erick of Hola Alegrias will not be at market next week, as he will be travelling – but returns to us on October 6th.
And lastly, for an update on the possibility of extending our market (through winter.) The St Anne’s folks still haven’t given me a definitive answer, but also haven’t said “no” – so I guess that’s not terrible? (Again), sigh..
Well I can say that it’s not looking super hopeful, as we’re now (just about) at the end of September. Realistically, if I don’t have a hard “yes” for you, by next newsletter, we may have to pause the market until next spring. Either way, you (and I) will both know by next newsletter. Thanks again folks, and alternative suggestions are welcomed! 🙂
Ok, see you at market, and “happy garlic-ing”! xx
-Nicole
LIST of VENDORS _ Sept 29th, 2022
Farmers, Dairy & Meats:
- Sosnicki Organics
- Reyes Farms
- Plan B Organics
- Greenhouse Eatery
- Aldergrove Farm
- Kooner Farms
- All Sorts Acres
- Kind Organics
- Country Meadows
- Nature’s Way
- Monforte Dairy
- Rogers Ranch
Prepared Foods:
- La Mexicana
- Tapioca Toronto
- Tc Tibetan Momos
- Magic Oven
- Earth + City
Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:
- Robinson Bakery
- Lev Bakery
- Forbes Wild Foods
- ChocoSol
- Green Florin
- Jiggy Popz
Cider & Brewery:
- Heartwood Cider
- Harmon’s non-alcoholic
Special Events/Guests:
- Karma Co-op
- Community Fridges