Sunny Days Ahead! 🤩

Such a fun farmers’ market we had last week! Yes, there was also pretty persistent rainfall for most of Thursday – to the point where I wondered:“who will even come today?” But you all proved me wrong and showed up! 💜

A very sunny, positive vibe inside the clubhouse last week – with so many smiling faces. Almost made us forget the dreary weather outside. “Market magic” we call that – yippee! And maybe you yourself, even joined in on the random sing-alongs during last week’s market – well done!

Hooray for “The Dufferin Groovers”! 🙌 Led by Maya (left), with Rodrigo, of Plan B Organics, and longtime market-supporter, Ira. Forgive me Ira – sorry that only your amazing striped sleeve “made the cut”. I’ll get it right next time!

And more “musical farmers” still! Featuring “The Amazing Nathan”, of Nith Valley Organics. Nathan also joined in, and treated us to a couple of tunes. 🎵 🎶 

Perhaps these vendors should just put on a concert for us already – yes please!

Dehydrated organic garlic,  from Plan B Organics – so tasty!

Ok, now speaking of “sunny days ahead”, how about the ones regarding our much-anticipated outdoor season? Yup – we’re getting closer and closer to it, with each passing week! I figure you folks are pretty excited too – since (of late), many of you have been asking: “when”? Or “what date does the market go outside?” And “where (in the park), will it be?” As in, the south-end, like last year, (and 2022)? Or are we finally back to our “original home”, at the north-end of the park? (Just outside of the clubhouse, where we are now – at 875 Dufferin St.) All great questions – so I’ll do my best!

Info On Moving Outdoors..

First off, the “scheduled” date for the market to move outdoors, is May 16th. So feel free to start counting down! (Including this Thursday), that’s just four markets left (inside the clubhouse.) However, please also note the word, “scheduled”. So provided all of the landscaping, on the west side of the building, is completed, then all is a go, (on time.) And yes, some of the market will be wrapped around the south side of the clubhouse, and continue into the courtyard, (on the east side.) So for those of you remembering the market (prior to 2020), it will look very different this year. But I suppose many things “prior to 2020”, look very different this year. Nonetheless, onward and upward!

So to summarize:

• May 16th, the market goes outdoors – no longer inside the clubhouse, until late fall
• We are back at the north-end of the park, after five long years!
• Vendors will be spread, on the west-side of the building (facing Dufferin Mall), and wrapped around, some spilling into the courtyard, (facing the rinks) – still at 875 Dufferin St
• Landscaping issues could cause delay with vendors being “on the west side” – but the market will be happening either way

However, more updates will (continually) follow. Ok, thanks for your patience everyone – will definitely be worth the wait. Can’t wait for all of that ugly fencing (on the west side), to be ripped down forever! 🤸🏿‍♂️

Vendor News..

Great news for those anxious to “get gardening”! Urban Harvest will be at the market this week! Yes, our dear Colette returns with her amazing seed selection, and lots of info on planting. And if you’ve missed Colette’s presence at the market, and are wondering what she’s been up to, here’s a little update she sent me (a few weeks ago):

“Here in the country, we are very busy in the winter months. Seed production really is a year-round endeavour. We grew so many plants last year for seed, that we are still cleaning and germinating, to ensure viability. Then we have to label the envelopes and pack the seeds – sometimes an exhausting process, but always rewarding. There is so much magic in a seed.”

Wow – we appreciate you Colette! 

Urban Harvest’s organic seed selections  – their seedlings are also soon to come.

And please welcome Casa Shrooms – our  pop-up vendor this week.

And here’s a little note from them: 

“Casa Shrooms is your gateway to the world of functional mushrooms, offering a diverse range of products designed to elevate your well-being. From aromatic coffees, soothing teas, and delectable chocolates – we also make fresh vegan cashew and Green Goddess dips, as well as vegan Mushroom Pate, (with Lion’s Mane.) All of our products are organic, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free.” And they’ll have samples too!

And breaking news from Rogers Ranch! Dave is having an egg sale this week – $5 a dozen! (Small and medium-sized.)

LIST OF VENDORS for April 18th:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Plan B Organics
• Noki Farms
• Johnson Family Bakery
• Rogers Ranch
• Fisherfolk
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Urban Harvest – welcome back!
• Kalmplex Snax
• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Casa Shrooms! (pop-up)

Market day last week inside our wonderful clubhouse – the best spot for your Thursday afternoon! 💜

See you at the market,

-Nicole

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

Fresh spring kale, from Nith Valley Organics. 🙌