written by Nicole Jacobs, Market Manager
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm,
at 875 Dufferin St
*full vendor list here
Hard to believe that there are just two markets left – in this incredible outdoor oasis of ours. Something very special I feel, about being able to shop out in the open – without walls.
And a big thanks to all of you, for making this year extra special. For those that didn’t know, this year was actually our first year “back on the grass” (facing west), since 2019. Yes, all of that dreadful fencing that (for years), surrounded much of the north-end of our beautiful park, was finally taken down – (mid-June of 2024.) So yes, we “survived” the renovations – well done everyone! 💜
(FYI), our “peek-a-boo” feature photo is of Nathan, of Nith Valley Organics, holding one of his massive rutabagas. These gems are super healthy and flavourful – also providing a lighter option (in calories and carbohydrates), compared to potatoes. Rutabagas can be roasted, pickled, or made into soups. Eating them raw is a great option as well – grate thinly and add to any salad.
Amanda, of Johnson Family Bakery, pictured here, with Johnson’s amazing baked goods.
Organic selections from Kooner Farm – take your pick!
And a friendly reminder, once again – “the fun continues”, into November, (and beyond!) We move indoors, starting November 7th. Same time, same location – Thursdays, 3-7pm, here at 875 Dufferin St, (inside the clubhouse building.)
Fresh pasta – “in the park”! Steve, of Piccolo Farm Organics attended the market last week, and churned out his fresh pasta – to the delight of many!
Last Chance For These!
Please know that some of our vendors will have their “last-of-the-season” market (on October 24th) – also indicated on our vendor list.
If you’d been considering adding an extra cheese or two, to your shopping list, this is definitely the week to do it! This will be Ruth, of Monforte Dairy’s last market.
Have a great winter Ruth – we’ll miss you!
Also at the market for the last time this year, is Robinson Bread – aw man! The galettes, the hand pies, the cinnamon swirls, the focaccia – and so much more! Definitely think I may need to “stock up” this week! haha
Also with us for one last time, is Planticia Foods. These peanut butter energy bites (pictured), are definitely my fave – but (business owner) Christine, has lots more to choose from. I also recommend the salt-cured carrot lox – yum! It’s all part of her “plant-powered charcuterie”. 🙌
(Next week, a list of our winter vendors – thanks for staying tuned. 😊)
“Night Of Dread” – This Saturday!
You may have seen Clay & Paper Theatre set up at the market, the last few weeks. Or perhaps you’ve seen the clubhouse transformed into a festive, and “dreadful” workshop space! Either way, it’s made the month of October, even more awesome!
Saturday, October 26th is almost here – and with that, (the 25th annual) Night of Dread! It all takes place here, in Dufferin Grove Park, with the grand parade starting at 6pm. Feel free to speak to the C & P folks (in person), at this week’s market, about “the big day” – or contact clayandpaper@gmail.com.
A beautiful veggie assortment from Plan B Organics.
Cold-pressed juice from Pine & Ginga – available at this week’s market.
Vendor News..
Full vendor list here.
Such exciting news to share! First, after a very long “break”, ChocoSol is once again returning to the market! David Setka, (Chocosol representative), last took part in the market, back in late 2023, when we were briefly at St Anne’s Church. Well he’s very excited to finally be back at Dufferin again – so let’s give him a big welcome back, this Thursday!
Also returning this week, is The Cutting Veg. Daniel wll once again, amaze us with his premium garlic varieties – and possibly even some veggie greens as well!
And finally, the wait is over for Blythe, (of Spade & Spoon.) Yippee, yahoo, and HIP, HIP, HOORAY! (Clearly, I’m not that excited. haha)
And now’s the time to once again, stock up on delicious dried mango from Lapapampa. Just one ingredient – nothing added. Definitely my go-to snack choice – yum!
Lovely Alejandra, of Maizal Tortilleria, is back at the market this week. She’ll be fully-stocked with her yummy tortillas, tortilla chips, guacamole, and more!
Full vendor list here.
Amazing celery from Aldergrove Farm – get it while you still can!
About “Ripple Community Collective”..
For the last three weeks or so, you may have seen a table set up at the market, with dedicated volunteers – all doing work to support the Dufferin Grove Encampment Community. They were accepting various donations, for their benefit event that took place on October 19th, 2024. Much was thankfully dropped off, as I witnessed personally, at last week’s market – thanks so much! However, more is still desperately needed – and a Benefit Picnic is also happening on November 2, 2024, (in Dufferin Grove Park.)
Items they’re looking for:
“sleeping mats from MEC, warm clothing and shoes for men and women especially coats and winter outerwear, camping equipment, women’s menstrual products, hygiene products, and shelf stable food and drinks”
Feel free to contact “Ripple”, (with any questions): ripplecommunitycollective@gmail.com.
Dinner With Friends..
Last Friday, (October 18th), the “Friday Night Community Picnic” took place – and what a turnout! Perhaps you can see yourself in this photo? And if not, do try to come to the next one! These community gatherings have been consistently happening at Dufferin Grove, every Friday night (rain or shine.) This is all thanks to the dedicated commitment of several of our wonderful community “volunteer-heroes”. 💜
Some details if you’ve never been:
*“Potluck-style”
*Start time is 7pm (usually) – every Friday night
*Location: 875 Dufferin St (at the Dufferin Grove Clubhouse)
*All is FREE, and all are welcome
Highlights From Last Week’s Market..
Such a great day for a clothing swap! The art workshop that coincided with this, was also fantastic! Thanks very much to all who took part. And a big thanks especially, to Ana Karen, for organizing.
Each week at the market, we are treated to wonderful live music – and last week was no exception. Patrick O’neill was delighted to be back at Dufferin Grove, and very much looks forward to returning!
Surprise, surprise! MP Julie Dzerowicz popped by the Dufferin Grove Market last week! However, the surprise was all on me, because I had no idea that she was there to present me (literally), with a token of “appreciation”. I was given an Appreciation Award (pictured), by MP Dzerowicz, (at the market last week.) A small token perhaps, but definitely a huge honour – to which I’m very grateful. And thank you, to all of you as well, for continuing to support this market, and for understanding that your individual presence each week, definitely makes the market better.
Cheers everyone – can’t wait til Thursday! xxo
-Nicole
*every Thursday, 3-7pm – in Dufferin Grove Park (at the north-end)
Kawartha Brooms popped into the market last week – and what a treat to have them back! They return on October 31st. 🎃
VENDORS _ October 24th, 2024
Growers:
- Plan B Organics
- Nith Valley Organics
- Reyes Farm
- Aldergrove Farm
- Noki Farms
- Kooner Farm
- Nature’s Way Organics
- Knuckle Down Farm
- Cutting Veg – pop-up
Meat, Fish & Dairy:
- Rogers Ranch
- Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)
- Monforte Dairy – last of the season!
Eggs:
- Rogers Ranch
- Nith Valley Organics
- Kooner Farm
Bakeries:
- Johnson Family Bakery
- Robinson Bread – last of the season!
Prepared Foods:
- Magic Oven
- Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
- Tapioca Toronto
- TC Tibetan Momos
Preserves & Specialty Items:
- Forbes Wild Foods
- Kalmplex Snax
- Spade & Spoon
- Honey’s Ice Cream
- Planticia Foods – last of the season!
- Lapapampa (dried mango)
- Urban Harvest
- Green Florin
- Pine & Ginga
- Maizal Tortilleria
- ChocoSol – new!
Cidery/Brewery/Distillery:
- Blood Brothers Brewing
- Heartwood Cidery – online only
“Extras”:
- Cycle Toronto
- Music – “Sky & Rose”
- Face Painting – with Isabel!
- Poetry “on Demand” – with Marc!
- HOT Apple Cider fundraiser
- CFTO – Community Fridges
- Ripple Community Collective
Hooray for Lilly! Our dedicated and super-talented photographer, and Communications Coordinator, is seen here “in front” of the camera for a change – you look great Lilly! 💜