Finally – Spring Has Sprung! 

First market of April (2024) – bring it! Yup, that’s this Thursday – and where else would you be? Can’t wait to see you there. 💜

Seems just incredible that we’re getting this close to the outdoor market season. And for those who frequented the market, from at least 2019 (or before), you’ll recall what it was like, having our beautiful market at the north-end of Dufferin Grove Park. And who knows? Maybe you’re even seeing yourself in that flashback photo – good on you! Well (after five long years), it’s time at last, for our return! I hope. haha

But I have been “promised” that things will be ready – and surely we’ve waited long enough! I’ll definitely keep you posted, either way.

Flashback of an “earlier days market” at Dufferin Grove, (likely from prior to 2010) – sorry, I can only guess. 😉

But clearly, I’m getting ahead of myself. There’s still so much going on before we even move outdoors! Like this Saturday, April 6th – the day of the Open House, 1-4pm. Again this will be at our clubhouse, (875 Dufferin St) – where the market currently is.

And (as mentioned), this event is being put on by the City of Toronto – specifically, Alejandra Bravo’s office. But the farmer’s market will definitely have a presence there! So this is your chance to speak to Councillor Bravo directly (and in-person) – while also supporting your favourite farmers’ market. 🙌

Some details about the event:

“Join Councillor Alejandra Bravo for an open house at the new Dufferin Grove Park Clubhouse. There will be fun for the whole family from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, including:

• Puppet Unveiling with Clay & Paper Theatre 
• Mini-Market with Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market
• Garden Tour with Skylar Hill-Jackson
• Kid’s Corner
• Snacks and refreshments“

Food and refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP if you plan to attend. Thank you! 💜

Vendor News..

First up, please welcome Maizal Tortilleria to Dufferin Grove this week! Some of you (like me), may recognize Maizal from (our neighbouring), Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market. Yup, busted – I do frequent other farmers’ markets. Oh my! But it’s a good thing, I promise. And another good thing is that business owner, Alejandra, is already super-excited to make her Dufferin Grove debut – please come out and welcome her!

Some info about Maizal:

“100% Nixtamal masa, tortillas, and totopos that are ground fresh daily!

Our focus is locally-grown maize (corn). We make delicious tortillas and chips, containing nothing but sustainable corn from family farms in Ontario.”

If you were missing Plan B Organics and/or Forbes Wild Foods last week, great news! They  will both be back this week. 💪

Veggies from Plan B Organics.

Maple syrup from Forbes Wild Foods.

Highlights (from last week):

Spring Bok Choy! That was definitely a highlight for me from last week – hence from my feature photo. And hooray for Nith Valley Organics! Those bunches were massive! Those of you who were lucky enough to grab some, (before it sold out last week), I’m sure you will concur. More this week, if you missed out.

Amazing swiss chard (alongside bok choy) from Nith Valley Organics.

Fisherfolk had a great first market at Dufferin! (Despite Sabrina’s reluctance to “show it”.) I’ve actually known Sabrina for some time, but only just learned how camera-shy she is. Who knew? Well the good news is, we both had fun trying to get her to “pose” for a shot Thanks Sabrina!

And (fyi), Fisherfolk is off this week, but returns on April 11th. I recommend the blackened cod. Just pan-seared with a little oil, add some lemon-pepper seasoning (if you like), then enjoy. That was my dinner last Thursday night – yum!

Farmer Highlight!

Yes folks, here’s another “update”, and perhaps shameless brag, about “the awesomeness” of our Dufferin Grove farmers. Now hopefully, you’re enjoying that super-cool pic of Cheyenne, (of Sundance Harvest) – because you’ll have to wait until the outdoor season begins, to see her in-person (at Dufferin.) But in the meantime, check out this Globe And Mail article, about her. And a big thank you to Tracy Hefferman, for passing this on to me – such caring market-goers at Dufferin we have. 💜

Ok, so the article is from March 14th, 2024, and highlights how Sundance is “hoping to change what people assume a farmer looks like” – and overall, just reminds us of why it’s so important to support community farmers’ markets. A good read if you have a moment – but no bias on my part, obviously.

LIST OF VENDORS for April 4th:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Plan B Organics
• Noki Farms
• Johnson Family Bakery
• Rogers Ranch
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Maizal Tortilleria! (pop-up)

See you Thursday – and hopefully Saturday too! 💜

-Nicole

(*in the Clubhouse at Dufferin Grove Park – every Thursday, 3-7pm)

A happy, bustling market day in the Dufferin Grove clubhouse, (March 2024.)