Fruits + Veggies
Meat + Dairy
Preserves + Specialty Foods
Baking + Prepared Food
Yes indeed – “hello”, Dufferin marketeers! Hope you’re enjoying the last bit of 2023. The first week of winter has come and gone – and for many, it felt less “wintery” than in past years. But nonetheless, a brand new year is fast approaching – so enjoy it wherever you can!
Now regarding the market, (as you may have guessed), we’re currently on our holiday break. We had hoped to be back for mid-January, but have also recently learned that access to our clubhouse could be delayed well into February.
Enjoying the “suspense”? Yup, me too – oh boy. But hey, you never know! There’s still time before mid-January, so please stay tuned friends. Knowing that Thursday afternoons just aren’t the same when there’s no market, I’ll be doing all that I can to get us going. ???? But either way, I’ll continue with updates – here, and on social media.
Ok, now before my 2023 recap, (as in my subject line), I want to thank all of you for your support this year. Whether it was through regular market attendance, financial donations, or even writing a letter/email, advocating for the market – all was very much appreciated. ????I mean, don’t these faces say it all? tee hee
Rodrigo of Plan B Organics, with Bob of Kawartha Brooms, (at St Anne’s Church.)
So yes – despite the many obstacles and challenges we’ve faced, it’s still been a pretty amazing year for the Dufferin Grove Market! ????????♂️
And now for the Recap of 2023..
For the first four plus months, (due to a number of factors), there was no market. Ouch! But then in mid-May, the much-anticipated outdoor season began! And man, did you folks show up! Was just incredible to see how much this community loves its farmers’ market. ????
“Opening Day” of the outdoor market season, May 18, 2023.
“The Amazing Holly” of Nature’s Way, with her “super-basil”! (July 2023, in Dufferin Grove Park)
Gladstone Library visits Dufferin Grove Market, (in Dufferin Grove Park, September 2023)
Now when the outdoor season “officially” ended in late October, our 2023 journey continued (and also discontinued.) November began (and ended) for us, without a market, as we awaited access to our clubhouse. But thankfully, St Anne’s Church, which has been like a lifeline for the market at times, once again came to our rescue. They hosted us for three glorious weeks in November, (starting on the 9th.) Maybe you visited us there? Well if so, thanks!
A lively market day at St Anne’s Church, (November 2023)
Peter and Anna, making beautiful “market music”, (at St Anne’s church, November 2023)
But perhaps December 2023 was the “true test” for the market – we were outside! This was very “off-script” for us – but thankfully, it somehow worked. December 7th, 14th and 21st – there we were, on an outdoor basketball court, in Dufferin Grove Park. And once again, there YOU were! ????
Nathan of Nith Valley Organics, with market customer, and longtime-supporter, Sarah B, (December 2023)
The last market day even included a winter solstice parade! And many thanks to Clay and Paper Theatre for making that happen. ????
Winter Solstice festivities at the market, (December 21st, 2023)
“Hustle and bustle” at the last market of the year, (December 21st, 2023)
And finally, the last Thursday of the month (being December 28th), is where our holiday break began – and thus, here we are.
Yes folks, it has been a bit of a roller coaster of a market year – but hey, we did it! ???? All the same, let’s please hope for a more stable 2024! haha
In the meantime..
Please know that some of our vendors are doing deliveries and such, so please feel free to contact them.
Nith Valley Organics “will be doing deliveries on Wednesdays to coincide with other deliveries in Toronto. Folks can sign up and order through our online store at Nith Valley Online, (http://www.localline.ca/nith-valley-organics.)”
And Plan B Organics is another option. They will have “a pick up spot” in the neighbourhood for their weekly organic boxes”. Pick up on Thursday afternoons, with “lots of sizes and options” – www.planborganicfarms.ca.
Other farmers’ markets nearby:
1) Sorauren Market, which will operate on a bi-weekly schedule, starting January 8 – May 13, (Mondays, 3-7pm.) At 128A Sterling Rd, (Henderson Brewery.)
2) Wychwood Barns is the other nearby farmers market. This is still operating Saturdays, 8am-1pm.
Thanks for reading folks – hope to see soon,
–Nicole
Kalmplex of Kalmplex Snax, with their yummy dried fruit snacks, (December 2023)