Farmers’ Market Fever In the Air

Once ‘spring fever’ has run its course in Grey-Bruce, many local residents are ready to open their wallets and reusable cloth grocery bags for some long overdue ‘farmers’ market fever’. From summer until the fall harvest, roadside stands and agribusinesses are plush with fresh local produce, homemade jarred goods and countless other products that have been grown, raised and prepared in some way, shape or form here in the region. While stores such as Around the Sound Local Food Market and Meaford’s 100 Mile Market do a great job of satisfying the appetites of local foodies year round, outdoor markets are typically seasonal.

The good news is that the seasons are changing and two of the most popular farmers’ markets around are making big plans for 2010. The Old Train Station Pavilion in Bluewater Park will be the site of the Wiarton Farmers’ Market every Friday from 1 to 6pm beginning Victoria Day weekend. From what I hear, this is a perfect little market with an ever-growing list of local vendors.

And you might as well set Fridays aside to do some ‘market-hopping’ because starting June 4th, the Meaford Municipal Farmers’ Market gets underway. The setting couldn’t be more pristine beneath the Harbour Pavilion next to sparkling Georgian Bay. This market is also held weekly with this season’s hours running from 3 to 7pm. Visit http://www.meafordfarmersmarket.ca/ to stay on top of the latest market news. One new feature for 2010 is a special Volunteer Meaford table. Each week, a different local organization can promote their volunteer opportunities to those who may be looking to get more involved in their community.

Both Wiarton and Meaford markets wrap up on Thanksgiving weekend. But let us not forget about the markets that brave all four seasons. Saturday mornings just wouldn’t be the same without the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market next to the City Hall parking lot. This market has been around since 1845 and is still going strong. Check out http://www.owensoundfarmersmarket.ca/ to find out the latest.

And if you head a few kilometres southwest of Owen Sound on Grey Road 3 every Tuesday, you’ll find approximately 250 vendors at the Keady Farmers’ Market from 7am until early in the afternoon. This one also happens year round and features livestock auctions. Go to http://www.keadylivestock.com/.