Shelburne’s Farmers’ Market opens May 29th : Shelburne Free Press : https://shelburnefreepress.ca

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Shelburne’s Farmers’ Market opens May 29th

Shelburne Farmers' Market is back for its second year and will be opening next Thursday May 29th at Besley's Farm 716 Victoria Street. Running weekly from 3 – 7 p.m., it's a great place to spend every Thursday afternoon or early evening from now until October 9th. This market is a true community gathering place to meet friends and neighbours, support area food producers and artisans, and join the “real food revolution” by eating local, fresh food from the soil and hands of Dufferin County.

Brian and Debbie Besley, farmers and long time residents who host the market, recognize the market's first year, 2013, as a success that can be built upon. “It was a good opportunity to talk to producers about their products and a great chance for young farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their goods. Products included locally produced meats, honey, eggs, tomatoes, fruits, organic vegetables, preserves, baking, breads, catering and prepared foods, maple syrup, wood working, flowers, plants and artisan soaps.

There was often music, magic, face paints and balloon animals for the children. This year there will be approximately 15 vendors, and the high school will be participating, selling metal and art works along with baking from their food classes. Danielle Hampton of 100 Acre Bakery, very popular with the 2013 crowds, will be returning with their wonderful selection of organic breads, ““I'm very excited for the Shelburne Market to open this year! It's a great market with some of my favourite vendors and products.”

The mission for the organizers is to be a producer based venue that assists in developing a stronger local market for producers, growers and consumers within the area. “The market stresses the importance of supporting local businesses,” says Besley, “while providing the consumer with the highest quality products that the region has to offer.”

Historically, town markets have been the anchor of communities throughout the world. There has been a movement in North America, where the tradition was more of a novelty than a necessity, to return to basics with emphasises on fresh, healthy, unmodified foods grown locally, usually meaning within a 100 mile radius. The idea of really knowing where food comes from, how it is grown and by whose hands, is gaining widespread appeal in the wake of consumer push back against industrialized food corporations like Monsanto.

Special events days include the Grand Opening on May 29th with producers and entertainers; Farm Day June 12th featuring animals and farm equipment; a fire truck and demonstrations on Fire Department Day July 10th; corn provided by Besley Country Market on Corn Roast Day August 14th; Potato Day on September 11; and Central Dufferin District High School Robotics Club presents a Catapult Pumpkin Launch on October 2nd. For information on how to eat local, visit Ontario's own Shelburne Farmers' Market on Facebook.

By Marni Walsh

Post date: 2014-05-21 14:51:55
Post date GMT: 2014-05-21 18:51:55
Post modified date: 2014-05-28 14:13:54
Post modified date GMT: 2014-05-28 18:13:54