Horton Farmer's Market

Harvest Fest is Here!

2010-11-05T06:15:00.001-04:00

The food is being seasoned, the wine is chilled and the cider mulled. We're putting the final touches on our year-end Harvest Fest celebration happening this Saturday, November 6th at the market building, 6 - 9:30pm. (address is lots 2 -10 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas)

All of our vendors contributed to the success of the market and also contribute to making this event successful. Special Thanks to the following vendors:

RGrow Farms - donation of decorations, sweet potatoes

Berry Hill Fruit Farms - donation of decorations, produce, and time in getting building ready

Green Leaf Gourmet - donation of delectable sweets for the event

Part Time Peasant - donation of coffee and time at the event

Gredig's Orchards & Cider Mill - donation of apple cider

Quai du Vin - contribution of wine and time for the event

Spicers Bakery - donation of cake

Farmgate Markets - donation of use of prep equipment and time for the event

And special Thanks to Patti Kilmer for the on-going photography and the slide presentation for Saturday Evening

Chef Kim Saunders of Windjammer Inn was at the market last weekend filling her basket with bounty from Kosic's tomatoes, Nature's Perfect mushrooms, Palmer's Maple Syrup, squash & onions from Paul Brown Farms, produce from Jenssen's Farms, and meat from Farmgate Markets. I can hardly wait to see what she is preparing!

The evening is intended to be a time of relaxed, social gathering. We have a few events planned including a mini ceremony to recognize the vendors, a contribution from one of our artist vendors for the market building, and introduction of the Board of Management.

If you have not purchased your tickets yet, they are available at Farmgate Markets at their new location at 19 Elgin Street up until the event or by return email to me or at the door.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager
519.777.9529

PS - This is my last post for a while so Happy Holidays and chat with you again in 2011!

Another Successful Market Season!

2010-10-28T19:18:00.002-04:00

I read a line recently that stated we had another successful season at the Horton Farmers' Market. What constitutes success at the market? The market is a key connector of many factors; not all of them obvious. Yes, it connects the farmer to the consumer; the community to it's own turf; friends to each other, and many of us to a piece of our past through memories made there.

But what about the vendors who make further business contracts that extend beyond the market season and beyond the borders of our local community? How about the folks who connected with the fund-raiser groups and felt like they participated in the whole process even though they never left home base. And the stories I have been told - I have been brought to tears more than once by the loving memories of parents and grandparents, now passed on, who were an integral part of this very market.

At times I am overwhelmed by the life of the market - it is boisterous and fun and makes me want more. Even I, who sees much of the behind-the-scenes happenings of what it takes to keep the market happening (not always fun and boisterous), continue to be inspired by the 'success' of the market.

I often treat my business work like my children; nuturing it through bumps and hiccups along the way. The market is no different - it is now like my two year old toddler. In the off-season I feel like I send my toddler to boarding school. I am not connected to it on a weekly basis but it is nutured in my mind and heart. I look forward to sharing memories with you at the Harvest Fest on Saturday November 6th - our grand finale for 2010. You can purchase tickets for this event this Saturday at our last market day of the year. ($15 for adults; $10 for kids (6-16yrs)

One of our season vendors, Empire Valley Farms, will be having a Christmas open house at their farm in Wallacetown on November 25, 26 (open until 8pm), & Saturday 27th (open until 4pm). Another opportunity for you to stay connected with the market vendors and purchase some Christmas greenery and preserves.

The other fun thing happening this Saturday, is of course, Halloween at the market. Our resident face painter Isabelle, will be inside the building this week so if you 'forget' to wear your costume to the market, she will happily help you out.

I include a comment here sent to me from last week's customer appreciation draw winner to pass on to all the vendors - another key contributing factor to the success of the market.

" We are still enjoing the wonderful basket won on Saturday October 23rd. We returned home and it felt as though we were a couple of kids on Christmas morning looking through our stockings full of goodies. We would like each of the vendors to know that we are very appreciative and thankful to all of you for it. It was a pleasant surprise not only winning, but also finding all the donations made by you. We both had smiles on our faces the rest of the day because of you. While most of the contents will be enjoyed by us, there were a few items that we will be shipping to our daughter in England. She was a frequent visitor to the market before moving there. I'm sure she'll be overjoyed at receiving them. Many thanks to all of you."

And I also say many thanks to all of you - the reader, the customer, the market fans. See you one more time (well two more if you are attending Harvest Fest) at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

2010-10-21T19:46:00.016-04:00

Two more Saturdays to go and I have little left to ponder about. We do have the municipal election coming up on October 25th - I wonder who will form the next board of management for the market. I wonder why folks even bother to say anymore that they don't get involved in politics. If you are living, breathing, participating in any daily activity such as eating, driving, or working, you are involved in politics. It's just that some people like it more than others and are more vocal about their likes. Please take the time to have your say even if it is to just mark a few X's on a piece of paper - it all counts.

In the movie Food Inc one of the marketing tags at the end stated: "You vote every time you eat." Make your votes count. Are you voting for local economy or something processed and mass produced? Do your food dollars contribute to sustainable agricultural practices? Do any of your local politicians understand the depth and magnitude of these questions and how they relate to a food charter for our region? Ask them. You may be surprised by their answers.

You'll get a chance this Saturday as some of the candidates have rented spots at the market - it is a good place to have that conversation and ask those burning questions. You will also still be able to buy your meat, turkey, pizzas, coffee, Christmas decorations, Barb's Brickle, baked goods, preserves, knitted winter wares, and of course, the last of the fall produce. AND if you haven't yet purchased your Harvest Fest Tickets - we will have a booth set up beside the coffee vendor. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children (6-16yrs). That event takes place November 6th at the market from 6-9:30pm.

This year we have a newly established 'Friends of the Market' account that operates separate from the city budget for the market. The account is monitored by the board of management and is designed to help promote the market and market related activities. Anyone can donate to this account including vendors, community fund raisers, etc. The funds are carried forward from season to season and are not applied to the city operating budget of the market. If you would like more information about how to donate to this account, please talk to me or email me direct. Any proceeds that we gain from the Harvest Fest ticket sales (after all expenses are paid) will be deposited to this account.

Lastly for this post, the winner of the customer appreciation draw is Gord Plank. Congratulations - in my mind, you are all winners by shopping at the market - the draw is a bonus!

See you at the market.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Harvest Fest at the Market!

2010-10-14T19:15:00.010-04:00

As the market season winds down, we are gearing up to celebrate! Please plan on attending our year end celebration being held at the market building this year! Harvest Fest is a gathering of all who have been a part of the market happenings and will take place on November 6th from 6-9:30pm. It really is happening at the market this year; all the signatures are on the dotted lines, the safety regulations in place, the plates and napkins ordered and best of all - the food! Appetizers are being prepared by Kim Saunders of the Windjammer Inn using all the vendors fresh products, wine samples from Quai du Vin, coffee from Jay of Part Time Peasant (Fire Roasted Coffee), cider from Gredigs, cake from Spicers Bakery, treats from Kim McCarvell of Green Leaf Gourmet and the list goes on. Add in a picture show and some special guests and you've got a party. Tickets are on sale now - $15 for adults; $10 for kids (6-16yrs). You can pick yours up at the market this Saturday (or the 23rd or 30th), by emailing me, or at Farmgates new location at 19 Elgin Street in St. Thomas. We want to sell out this year so get your tickets early.

Each week in October we have said goodbye for the season to a few more vendors. DeBackeres, McSmiths, RGrow Farms, and En Fleur Lavender are finished this week. The ladies from the PAN Mission trip to Nicaragua will be at the market this weekend to share their experience with you. You can view pictures from their mission, ask questions, and see where your donation dollars went to. They will have information about another mission taking place in March 2011. We will still have approximately 20 vendors selling right to end of season on October 30th - still worth the trip for the breakfast sandwich and good times. Included in this photo are the vendors that make the breakfast sandwich combo happen - Kristen from Frisa Farm Eggs, Jay from Part Time Peasant (coffee), and the team at Farmgate Markets.

I am still in denial about the season really being done in 3 Saturdays. I won't miss the 5am Saturday mornings but you might see me wondering aimlessly downtown Saturday mornings looking for fresh produce, local vendors, and a friendly place to chat. But until then, I will see you at the market.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Giving Thanks for it NOT being our last market day yet...

2010-10-07T18:47:00.014-04:00

The 2010 Market Season ends on Halloween Weekend (Oct 30/10). I once read a quote that was something like: "If you have repeated something a thousand times, take heart, you are halfway there." This weekend is not our last market day but it does tend to be one of our busiest days.

Thanksgiving and the farmers' market go hand-in-hand. We have turkey, potatoes, squash, fresh veggies, baked goods, apple cider, and even sparkling grape juice. Monika from RGrow Farms will have lots of recipes on hand for her sweet potatoes and plenty of treats available are from Spicers Bakery, Green Leaf Gourmet, and Gredigs Orchards. This will be the last week for RGrow Farms so pick up your pumpkins and Halloween decorations while you can. Many of our vendors are staying until the end of season; we will have 25 -30 vendors right up to closing day. And of course, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and sunny weather to round out another great year. (The picture below to the left is yours truly with market vendor Tammy Gredig of Gredigs Orchards & Cider - Tam & I have been friends for over 25 years and many times we only get to 'catch up' at the market.)

You will notice the pink-ribbon campaigners for Breast Cancer awareness this weekend at the market as well as the St. Joe's Hawks GOBlueGOBald fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation. Approximately ten boys from the football team will have their heads shaved to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation. If you would like to support their cause, they will be in the North Pavilion at 9am.

Congratulations to Heather Bamford who won the customer appreciation draw. Each week another happy customer takes home the bounty of the market and the number of new suscribers to this newsletter continues to grow. My goal was to have six hundred on the list this year and we are at 593 - only seven to go before the end of the month. I think we'll make it!

Harvest Fest Celebration is happening on November 6th from 6-9:30pm at the market building. Kim Saunders from the Windjammer Inn is preparing appetizers from the vendors produce and hot cider, coffee and wine samples will be available to sip. We will be giving away a few door prizes, watching a slide show of the season, and socializing with the market community. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids (6-16yrs). Tickets will be on sale October 16, 23, and 30th at the market and at Farmgate Markets at 19 Elgin St. here in town. I have a sign up list with me if you would like to reserve your tickets now.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone - the weather is supposed to be beautiful so enjoy!

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Happy October!

2010-09-30T21:30:00.014-04:00

We have five remaining market days! REALLY? Only five Saturdays left in the 2010 market season. Thank you to everyone who is a part of this amazing process. There are so many 'behind-the-scenes' folks, the vendors, the customers, and those who don't say a thing but support in so many other ways. We have been building on the foundation that has been laid by many past supporters over many years - I would love to know what the original founders/organizers think now - my how times have changed and yet some things are very much the same.

We are putting the details together for our year end celebration - Harvest Fest. I will have a sign-up sheet starting this Saturday at the market for pre-ticket orders. We are organizing the event very similar to last season - we will be using the market vendors product and will have a sampling of wine and cider to toast the evening. November 6th is the date - 6:00 to 9:30pm. Mark it on your calendars. The night is a true celebration as everyone gets to mingle and chat.

With the winding down of the season and the early crop we had this year, a few more of our vendors are finished selling for this season. Mark Wales Farms and Ralph Troupe Farms are finished. Kim McCarvell of Green Leaf Gourmet will be back this Saturday and she will be taking Christmas baking orders. Gredig's Orchards will have some baked apple treats along with their apples and cider, and the Senior's Centre pies will be back for this weekend. On Thanksgiving weekend (Oct 9th) the St. Joe's Hawks Go Blue Go Bald fundraiser will take place at the market! The boys from the team are raising funds for the Make A Wish Foundation - they are dyeing their hair blue to raise funds and shaving it all off at the market at 9am Oct 9th. They will be in the North Pavilion seating area.

We will also have all our IPM vendors back including Nature's Perfect Mushrooms, Grammie's Creations, and Succulent Wonders. Farmgate Markets will be there making breakfast sandwiches for sure; but likely very little else this weekend as they are in "Moving Mode". Visit them at their new location at 19 Elgin Street, just behind the TD Bank on Talbot Street.

Time to start thinking about your Halloween costumes for October 30th at the market! For many people, Halloween is their favourite time of the year. I still smile when I think about some of the creative costumes of last year.

Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

2010-09-23T19:20:00.025-04:00

Fall officially arrived on September 21st with the Autumn Equinox. The leaves are starting to proudly display their artistic talents and it is safe to turn the oven on for long periods of time without sweating out the entire day's water intake in 15 minutes. This week I made sweet potato filling (baked 5 large sweet potatoes wrapped in tinfoil @ 400 for 2 hours - the skin just peels off, mash with a fork and freeze in 2 cup portions - made 8 cups) and a huge batch of applesauce. All stored in the freezer.

When winter comes and I am really missing the market, I thaw out a serving of sweet potato and make biscuits, or muffins, or hummus. The applesauce gets warmed and served with vanilla ice cream and I stay connected to the source of my food and my comfort. I miss the weekly social gathering but the memories get me through until next market season.

We are putting plans in place for our annual market Harvest Fest. We are planning for a open-house type gathering for the evening of Saturday November 6th - stay tuned for more details and ticket sales.

This projecting into the near future also brings up another season - Christmas. Crazy as it sounds, it is just two months around the corner. Carol and Gladys and all things Christmas are starting back at the market this weekend with their beautiful miniature trees and decorations. Their display always attracts a crowd - especially the 10 and under crowd. I had mentioned earlier about the International Plowing Match and a few of our vendors being away this weekend. Most have managed to arrange coverage for both the IPM and our market so it is market morning as usual (with the exception of Kim McCarvell of Green Leaf Gourmet will be away this week). I might have mentioned that Farmgate is away this weekend which is NOT the case. They will be at our market as usual - they MIGHT be away next weekend (Oct 2nd) for their big move but I will keep you posted on that. There will be pumpkins by the trailer-full and plenty of squash and root vegetables to stock up on. And if you really are keen about Christmas, don't forget to visit our jewlery, artist, and natural skin care vendors. The perfect way to shop ahead and give gifts with a local flavour.

I have been to the IPM to help out a little with the farmers' market there and it is amazing to say the least. Tomorrow I am taking my kids and attending as a visitor rather than a volunteer. If you can manage the crowds, it is worth the trip. There's a shuttle service from the railway museum on Wellington Street here in town to the site if you want to avoid the parking and wagon ride from the airport.

So far, my favourite exhibits include the farmers' market tent with sample fest (of course), the live animal exhibit in the education tent, the City of St. Thomas' mini replica of the train station complete with concrete floor and bricked walls, and the rodeo corral. I'm looking forward to the tractor square dance and a ride in the hydro bucket to see an ariel view of the entire site but I'll need to convince the kids on that one.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the market on Saturday - that is one thing that I miss at the IPM Farmers' Market - connecting with you all!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba St. (north of the lights at Giant Tiger on Talbot)

519.777.9529

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Our market customers build community....

2010-09-16T18:36:00.017-04:00

We track all sorts of statistics about vendors, revenue, and numbers of customers at the market but how do we put into numbers what happens on the subtler level of connections made and memories shared?

I continue to hear new stories and meet new people every Saturday at the market. I over-hear folks saying: " I haven't seen you in ages, how's the family?" People ask me about the compostable coffee cups after I make one small request in this newsletter. Vendors help each other out by expanding the circles of business outside of the market hours and operations. Partnerships are happening with other community groups just because people care, not because there's something in it for them.

I love when a customer comes to the market and is still excited to discover a new way to cook sweet potato, or when I can tell what time it is just by which customers are purusing the isles. I know that there are several folks that come to the market before an appointment then come back after the appointment because they didn't get their full Saturday morning experience. Then there are customers who will stop at all the new vendors and make an extra purchase, just to help those new vendors along a little.

I like that customers are amused when there are 'traffic jams' rather than annoyed. I like that there are traffic jams - it means people have time to stop and chat, to catch up, to connect.

This weekend at the market you can take in a little history around the story of Jumbo. The library will be decorating their space in circus style and serving up elephant ears made by The Dutch Bakery. These tasty treats go on sale ($3 each) at 10am and will have various toppings for you to choose from. Rumour has it there will be a special guest on hand to enjoy the first serving. Plan to be there around 10am if you can.

Gail McNaughton will be back will her commemorative Jumbo and IPM postcards. The International Plowing Match is less than one week away! Each time I visit the site, I am amazed at all that is happening there. A mini city is about to come alive complete with a daily farmers' market and daily sample fest (noon to 5pm) within the farmers' market. Bring your shopping bags as there will be lots to take home from this major event.

Kim McCarvel of Green Leaf Pastries is back this week with mini-scones perfect for the kids lunch boxes, (I ordered extra!) and Ralph Troupe will be back with apples, pears, and plums. The Seniors' Centre is bringing apple pies and our apprenticing face-painter will be stationed in the North pavilion. I purchased a beautiful fall/winter wreath from RGrow Farms and I am looking forward to my half bushel of apples from Gredig's Orchards - it's applesauce time! Today I simmered soup stalk, baked up sweet potatoes, and made a batch of biscuits.

Don't you just love this time of year?

See you soon at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Autumn chill already?

2010-09-09T20:41:00.012-04:00

It was a chilly day at the market last weekend. A few people mentioned that it was almost as cold as our first market day - well, maybe not that cold. Brisk, fresh, invigorating for sure. It has been a welcome break to the heavy heat of the summer. And it looks like more of the same for this weekend. This is the short time of the season where the temperature is just right inside the building!

A few vendors are away this weekend including Green Leaf Pastries, The Mixing Bowl, Troupe Farms (peaches) and the Mennonite Martin Family produce. And a few vendors returning this weekend such as Gail McNaughton with her new IPM 2010 postcards, En Fleur Lavender In Bloom, and Janis & Mark Harris with flowers.

A smaller version of the farmers' market will be happening everyday at the International Plowing Match happening September 21-25th on Highway #3 just before the St. Thomas Airport. What a site to behold as the mini-city begins to take form. What this means for you is you can access a farmers' market for 5 days, 8:30am to 5pm. It also means that some of our vendors will be working like crazy to cover both that event and our regular market day on September 25th. A few vendors will only be at the plowing match that weekend but we will still have a full house. Farmgate Markets will be away that weekend also for a very exciting new venture they have taken on - they are moving their business location to a much bigger space! Congratulations to Sandy and Ray and the whole Farmgate team as they move shop that weekend and open for business in their new location (Elgin Street behind the TD Canada Trust on Talbot) on October 4th.

The other exciting thing happening at the market occurs on September 18th. The library is helping comemorate the historical events in St. Thomas being the 125th anniversary of Jumbo the elephant's death. They will have a collection of books and historical information regarding Jumbo and there will be special treats that day to sample (more details to follow). There will also be a video display and art work on display. We are looking for donations of the extra large pickle jars if anyone has any they would like to contribute. They can be dropped off in my office at the market (I know you would think I don't have an office as I am never in there - I do stop in there occasionally :-)

I saw lots of folks back at the market this weekend - everyone's back from holidays, settling into Autumn's rhythm. You may not see Amber deJong from Frisa Farms (egg vendor) back to the market yet - she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. But then you never know, the market babies seem to love it there too! (sorry, I tried to add more pictures but the service is not letting me right now - more photos next week)

A big thank you to all that responded to last week's newsletter - there were plenty of good suggestions and positive comments about the market. Like one of my favourite sayings: It's all good.

Pull out the socks and sweaters and see you bright and early at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

What do you like about the market?

2010-09-02T21:16:00.011-04:00

September is officially here! I am excited as it always feels like the new year - the weather seems to change the quickest during this season transition. One day it's summer, the next it's fall. The kids go back to school, rountine is a little more settled and comforting, and fall mums and root veggies start filling the stalls at the market.

In the community we are getting ready for the International Plowing Match happening Sept 21-25. There will be a local food tent including a daily farmers' market there. If you are interested in vending your agricultural products there please let me know ASAP. The fees have been supplemented by secured funding so this is a great opportunity to showcase what Elgin County has to offer.

We are continuing to average 40 vendors per market day. Luckily a few vendors are on vacation every week so I can shuffle a few to different tables to keep everyone withnin the pavilions and building.

This weekend, the plan is to make peach jam, red-pepper jelly, and applesauce - pretty keen I know. This is my one way of making the market memories last well into the winter. What about you? Let me know what you think about the market, the hours of operation, what a year-round Saturday market might look like to you. We'd love to hear your ideas, thoughts, suggestions - I do keep track and pass them on to the Board of Management. Send me an email or track me down at the market - much progress has been made in the past four years; let's keep the momentum going.

Yet another bonus to my position as market manager - I often to get to sample the new things vendors are trying. Like the creamcheese and crab dumplings at Lotus Thai, or the freshest multi-grain garlic bread at Spicers. The organic tomatoes at Chris Dancey's booth and the hot peppers from Kosic's Greenhouse are also a big hit. Then there's apple fritters from the Dutch Bakery, thin crust pizza from Uncle Dad's and an assortment of natural soaps from Moonstone Aromatherapy. Have a look around, you never know what you might see that you previously passed by.

Congratulations to Michele Martin who won the customer appreciation draw this week. Always a bonus highlite every Saturday!

Many thanks for your continued involvment in the market's growth and see you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

2010-08-27T08:43:00.012-04:00

Last night was FreshFest at the CASO Train Station on Talbot Street in downtown St. Thomas. Welcome to all new members who signed up for the newsletter there! We had a great time! I loved the tomato and goat cheese tart - it was a combined effort from the chef from Braxton's in town here, and produce from market vendor McSmith's Organics. And of course, the flourless chocolate cake from Kim Saunders of the Windjammer in Port Stanley gets me every time.

I meet alot of folks coming to our market from Port Stanley, Aylmer, and London. You are one of the most effective forms of advertising - sharing your experience by bringing your friends and family (Thanks J.F. for bringing new friends every time to share the experience).

I got a first-hand taste of that market atmosphere from a unique perspective this past Saturday. An early appointment had me away from the market for the first hour. When I arrived just after 9am, I could 'feel the buzz' from almost a block away. I parked down on the corner, passing crowds of people both coming and going. Because I am already in that market bubble Saturday mornings, I don't get the chance to see that from the outside. It was an awesome perspective - you can't help but be drawn into the cheer and enthusiasm happening there.

Fall is in the air and I love it! We have two months left of this market season where the stalls overflow with Autumn's harvest. We are stocking the pantry and lingering a little longer over the morning breakfast sandwich and coffee. Socks and sweaters are once again part of the early morning attire.

Vendors in the North Pavilion include: DeBackere Farms, Palmers Maple Syrup, Paw4Mance Natural Dog Food, Berry Hill Fruit Farm, Janis Smith Fresh Cut Flowers, McSmith's Organics, Empire Valley Farms, Lindsay Shitake Mushrooms, Shasta Dolphin (hand knitt hats, mittens, and children's accessories), SW Gardens (hostas, lillies, etc.), Green Leaf Pastries (oh my- yummy scones), Grammies Creations (away this week), Chris Dancey Heirloom Organic Tomatoes, Mark Wales Farms (intensely flavourfull garlic), Erie Gardens, and Janssens Farms.

Gail McNaughton will be at the market this week with her commerative greeting cards and mystical artwork. Also, Isabelle Nethercott will be there apprenticing in face painting for the kids. The IPM Souvenir Van will be there also.

Congratulations to Geraldine Smith who won the customer appreciation draw this week. We have more and more folks signing up for the draw every week also. I wish you all luck with the draw!

Remember to bring your own bags and coffee mugs (and containers when possible). Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

2 Manitoba St, St. Thomas

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Local Food = Good Times

2010-08-19T22:37:00.014-04:00

I actually heard the words 'rain' and 'saturday' used together in a sentence regarding this upcoming Saturday at the market. Can this be? We have not seen rain at the market, nor in other areas, for quite some time now. Not much changes at the market in the event of rain... perhaps just a little more indoor time. Fresh cut flowers from Janis Smith's table can brighten any table.

I just returned from a presentation by municipal councillor Gord Hume at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. His new book is called the Local Food Revolution. His presentation included pictures of the St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market of which he visited a few weeks ago. And the importance of farmers' markets in the local food movement. One of the key things farmers markets provides is a distribution channel that is sustainable. Your produce leaves the farm, touches the table at the market and arrives in your home in one to two days. The alternative channels pass through far more handling stations, transportation time, and lack of sufficient growing time in the field. One of Gord's key points: we as citizens have a right to access nutritious, local, sustainable food and we can ensure that who we elect for council has a vested interest in the same. (Of course, I have so much more to say about this huge topic; will share more with each post.)

New vendors at the market this weekend..... Tammy from Gredig's Orchards is returning this season with Paula Reds and Ginger Gold apples. Caverly Smith will be bringing some of her original artwork in watercolour and acrylics, and you never know who else might show. Last week we had Simpson Farms bring some very big brocoli and Jacqui from Moonstone Aromatherapy had an extra table set up inside with a pampering hand exfoliation station.

Kim of Green Leaf Pasteries is away another week - I know, no scones! She will be back on the 28th and a few other vendors are close to finishing in the next few weeks - I will keep you posted.

One of my roles as market manager is to round up the trash when market day is done (I know there are a few guys who will say that I round them up to round up the trash - R & J :-) and I have often picked cans and coffee cups out of the trash and threw them in the blue bin beside the trash can. The coffee cups are acutally compostable but I am aiming for at least recycled please. There are blue bins at every door, at Farmgates station and in the North Pavilion. Better yet, purchase one of the Fire Roasted travel cups from the coffee guys at Part Time Peasant, get a discount on your coffee refills, and work with the first 'R' - Reduce. Please continue to bring your shopping bags, baskets, and containers to fill. Many Thanks.

This is crazy but I am already planning for back to school for the kids - how did that happen? Feels like we just got started! Let's slow down, stay for the two-count coffee (& perhaps the 2nd breakfast sandwich), chat, and savour every moment. Please stop to say Hi. I have stopped writing the column for the Weekly News for now; that was volunteer and consuming too much of my world at the moment. You will hear from me here and I will definetly be seeing you at the market.

P.S. - since my Aunt Patti, the volunteer photographer is in Nicaragua right now, I will be using some repeat photos and some from last year at this time. sorry for the repeats and three-peats as I am sure I pick my favs over and over again.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Do you CAN (preserve, freeze, blanche)?

2010-08-12T20:39:00.017-04:00

I am rather excited about the guest we have presenting this weekend at the market! (If your not, that's okay - we have lots of vendors selling their fresh preserves!) Deb from Bernardin Canning will be there to demonstrate, to field questions, and to make the art of canning easy for everyone. She will be set up in the North Pavilion and will be available all morning. We have 100 Bernardin shopping bags to give away filled with helpful information. I have a box of mason jars that I have pulled out of the pantry and will be making my first real attempt at canning (starting with tomatoes).

If freezing is more your thing, which I love because it is quick and easy and it seems to make the market season last that much longer, then you could check out these easy tips offered from Monika at R-Grow farms. Freezing corn and melons - and if you scroll down on the site you can find tips for freezing pretty much anything else we have to offer at the market. If we could only find a way to freeze lettuce......

We had another record day at the market last week. Every table outside was occupied and only 3 spaces available inside (because vendors were on holidays!). A total of 41 vendors and our highest vendor revenue day yet. Our market is generating a good buzz, with tourist appeal. One visitor last week was from Saskatchewan; another from Cambridge. Folks are starting to bring their guests to the market first before any other planned visits. This ties in well with our new membership with Savour Elgin - the county's very own culinary trail. I attended a meeting today regarding the final details of the launch, happening at Fresh Fest on August 26th. All the details are in place, the material looks entincing, and the member list is growing.

Along with my standing order of fresh-baked scones and hot samosa, I'll be looking for corn, melons, pickling cukes, garlic, dill, peppers, beans, maybe sweet potatoes, and of course tomatoes. I am tempted by the soft peaches to make jam, and hopefully a basket or two of blueberries to freeze. If you are looking for me this week, you will likely find me close to the canning demo.

Congratulations to Angie Mailhot who won the customer appreciation draw this week. The ladies from the PAN Mission Nicaragua trip left a few items to donate to the winning customer. The ladies left today and are likely arriving in Nicaragua right about now (as I type this). I am always amazed by what travel does to the senses; this morning they got up in St. Thomas, Ontario; tonight they lay down to sleep in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America. I look forward to stories of their adventure which you can follow on Patti's blog.

The weather seems to have eased up a bit tonight; the cricketsong is beautiful as I sign off, the air conditioner finally getting a much needed break. Feel free to bring your fans for the indoor market space this Saturday - I am not even going to pretend - it will be hot, humid, and muggy in there.

See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

2010-08-06T14:12:00.011-04:00

I recently spent a little time in nature in the beautiful north - sharing space with the river otters, loons, a rather large snapping turtle, and some amazing friends. The trip home took ten hours because we decided to just head south and stop whenever the urge hit. While in Bancroft where we stopped for lunch, I caught a glimpse of the farmers' market happening on the main drag. A few temporary tents and an artistian exhibit tied in with a coffee shop and bakery business. This was a Thursday market that had maybe 15 vendors; it is hard to say what their Saturday market would be like but it reminded me of a few things to be extremely grateful for at our own Horton Farmers' Market.

The building and outdoor pavilions of our market were built to last. The upgrades, including the most recent project of the re-opening of the building, have enhanced the convience of our facility. We have excellent shelter from two market troublesome weather conditions - rain and wind. We don't have to worry about setup and take down of tents, and we have washrooms and hydro on site. We still have free parking and the outdoor vendors get to drive up to their stalls and use their vehicles as additional storage/space to vend.

Another key element is the richness and diversity of our area farmers' market-garden crop. The kids and I play a game where we try to name all the vegetables we know of a certain colour. My favourite is purple - on market day I have found cauliflower, beans, carrots and eggplant all in a beautiful shade of purple.

This saturday we have few more new vendors including Chris Dancey bringing her heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and organic popcorn. The young girls from Purple Panda creations are back with their new venture into entrepreneurism selling their handcrafted jewlery and other items. Artisit Heather Keating will have some of her creations on display and Jaina is returning with her daughters selling Indian Samosa (I bought 6 that disappeared in less than an hour after market ended). Freshfest will be there every Saturday until the even on August 26th and Janine Tucker will have a stall with En Fleur Lavender in Bloom.

I am would love to list all the vendors every week just to remind everyone who is there and what is available but the list is extensive and keeps growing. Even if they are not your regular vendors, please take time to say Hi and chat if space and your schedule allow. Stan from Kosic's Tomatos always has a story to tell; Gary & Pom at Lotus Thai are famous for their spring rolls; Ralph Troupe of Troupe Farms has a whole crew of folks both behind and infront of his stall who are happy to chat, and the team at R-Grow Farms - I love seeing the creative ways they display their sweet potato and yellow watermelon.

Congratulations to Deb Dees on winning the customer appreciation draw. Deb is a long-time market attendee and she and I often chat on market mornings about life. My daughter draws the winner out of the ballots each week and she is always so excited by her task.

Please mark Thursday, August 19th, 7pm on your calendar as busy and plan to take in a presentation at the Senior's Centre in St. Thomas by municpal councillor Gord Hume. His book is called the Local Food Revolution and he has a lot to say about food and politics. His book will be available then or you could pick up a copy at Municipal World in Sparta.

My apologies in the delay of this post. My timing was a bit off this week and I haven't quite got the Wi-Fi-while-travelling thing down pat.

Look foward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519.777.9529

Mid Season Already?

2010-07-28T19:26:00.019-04:00

I have said before that commenting on 'how fast things are going' only makes them move faster. But this comment needs to be said: This Saturday is the 13th of 26 Saturdays for the 2010 Market Season -the half way mark. I want it to slow down. Slow food, savoured memories, bounty shared. We had an amazing market last Saturday. Several produce vendors sold out, the breakfast sandwich crew barely had a chance to look up from the griddle, and the coffee guys were brewing fresh java non-stop.

The coffee story is a little different this week. Jason and Greg from Part Time Peasant are away this weekend, but they have worked out a way to continue to provide their fresh brew and to give back in a very connected way. I have mentioned many times about my Mom (Sandy) and my Aunt (Patti) going to Nicarauga with PanMissions to teach women to sew and to help build sustainable business practices there. Jason has donated all coffee, supplies, and profits this week to Sandy and Patti to help towards their costs of participating in the mission trip. To further help them out, Ray and Sandy from Farmgate Markets are also donating $1 from each breakfast sandwich sold on Saturday to the cause. To make things a little easier on the ladies, they are only brewing the Peasant Blend coffee and selling the same blend beans.

Starting this weekend, Fresh Fest will have an outdoor booth selling tickets for their second annual event. Look for their booth in the far pavilion. The market will have an information booth at the Fresh Fest event, being held on Thursday, August 26 at the CASO station. They have another exciting venue lined up including the lauch of Savour Elgin, our new culinary tourism event of the county.

Erie Gardens and the Kids Kraft Korner will be at the market this Saturday then taking most of August off. If the fall mums bloom in-line with everything else this year - early - the will likely be back the last weekend in August. Remember peach pie? The Senior Centre team will be there this week selling their now famous peach pies. Grab one early as they tend to go quickly!

Congratulations to Tammy Herrig who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. As promised in an earlier newsletter, we managed to get a photo of one of the winners. This is from a few weeks ago when Carl Bagshaw won the basket. Everyone always comments on the shopping I have been doing when they see me walking around with the green bucket. It's overflowing with prizes for the draw which happens every week!

I remember going to the market with my mom when I was a child. We lived a few doors down on Manitoba street and at that time I could barely see over the tops of the green tables that used to line what is now the parking lot. The building was closed and boarded up and I often wondered what stories were held within those walls and dusty windows. Every Saturday we relive some of those market memories of yester-year and are creating many new ones.

Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager
St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market
2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON
http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/
www.hortonmarket@hotmail.com

2010-07-22T12:44:00.011-04:00

Welcome to the new members of this newsletter who have signed up this season. Each week I add a few more names to the growing list from those who designate it on the customer appreciation draw ballots. This past week was a record with 15 new names added. Be sure to puruse thro ugh previous posts at the blog to find out what's been happening at the Horton Farmers' Market this year.

You may have started canning already. Look for pickling cukes and garlic, free-stone peaches, and maybe a little salsa. The barbeque should be well seasoned by now - don't forget Oegema's Turkey Shoppe has four different flavours of turkey burgers in the freezer. And Ray at Farmgates almost always has a new brand of sausage to try.

Donna handcrafts all her jewlery at SUSQI Designs - she's having a summer holiday sale this weekend on all her bracelets and earrings (her holidays start after this Saturday's market). That is the other thing you might notice - the vendors get to have holidays too. Martin's Produce are away this week, returning next saturday, as well as the PAN Mission fundraising team of Pat and Sandy.

I keep track of certain stats on a weekly basis including number of vendors, estimated revenue generated by the vendors, and stall rental receipts. All of the numbers are up again this year, at our almost midway mark (July 31st is the 13th of 26 Saturdays). I see lots of new faces every Saturday and I continue to hear stories of how the market is like it used to be - a guaranteed social gathering every Saturday morning. I continue to be awed by that factor as well - I love going to the market!

Congratulations to Sue Koroscil who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. The bucket is always overflowing and the winners always very grateful to the vendors for their gifts. I send the 'Thanks' both ways. I have little else to say - odd, I know.

Life is good. See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

2 Manitoba St, St. Thomas, ON

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Standing Room Only....

2010-07-15T21:54:00.016-04:00

The St. Thomas Public Library has done this really cool thing for the market - they brought Wi-Fi! They have a booth there every week where you can purchase used books and borrow the latest titles. Bring your laptop and sit for a breakfast sandwich or two and just absorb the market buzz. It did get a little warm last week with the sun bearing down on the tables out front - don't forget about the outdoor cafe area in the far pavilion. I will be bringing more tables and chairs out to that area so we have a little more shelter for folks to linger. ( FYI no accessible hydro hookup)

Well, I do believe this weekend we will hit capacity - vendor standing room only! I have had several requests from vendors wishing to start at the market this week. R-Grow farms is returning with sweet corn and melons. Monkia, Anita and Joe are excited to be returning a few weeks early - Monika called me from the field to say they will have the two large tables in the North Pavilion. Mark Wales is returning with garlic, blueberries, and yellow beans. And the Treat Ladies are starting inside - they have told me of carmalized apples, baked pretzels, and all things yummy. Add a few more craft vendors selling handmade birdhouses and children's pillows for a well rounded mix. I will be starting that vendor waiting list in earnest after this weekend. That is exciting to see our reputation growing.

With 40 or so vendors plus all the enquires I field during the week, there is much information and details that are shared. I know there will be peaches from Ralph Troup this week, lots of greens still with McSmiths, and blueberries from Bluegroves. I inhaled 2 pints by Sunday afternoon. And of course, my latest addiction, the scones from Green Leaf Pastries. Last week I bought 2 blueberry and 2 cheese and onion scones- I remember every morsel of each scone. That good. (Photo on the left - a few of my favourite market go-ers and future market managers :-)

I will be spending a little time rearranging the vendors to fit everyone in so please be sure to stop and say hi to everyone and find them all. Nothing too drastic - I know we are creatures of habit.

Bring a friend, stay for a coffee and memories shared. Take home fresh, local products and crafts and enjoy. Please pass this along to anyone who may be interested - we are over 550 members strong and I do not share that list with anyone.

Cheers and see you soon,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

519-777-9529

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

More vendors at the market....

2010-07-08T22:09:00.013-04:00

With my position as Market Manager comes many perks and a few challenges. I mention the perks often enough and sometimes I hint about the challenges. The perks flow from a central theme - that of connection. Whether we realize it or not, much of our social connections are made through the food we eat. We bond with family, friends, and community often over a shared cup of coffee and a good meal. Every Saturday morning, I look forward to having that first cup of coffee (The Peasant Blend from Jason and Greg) and a breakfast sandwich (from Farmgates) hot off the grill. Because I am there at 6am, I have had a good hour and a half to think about breakfast. I try not to bug the guys too much with my question: "Is it ready yet?"

The challenges stem from the combination of two words: Food and Politics. Enough said.

DeBackere's Farm is starting their 2010 market season this week back in the south pavilion. Some of the produce they are bringing includes peppers, zuchini, green beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Yes, corn. Can you believe it? Early crops are a puzzler - a good sign or a not so good sign? Just one of the many questions you can ask the grower direct.

I am finishing off the cherries from last Saturday (the cherry season is almost done so if you see any this weekend grab them while you can) and breakfast all week consisted of raspberries and blueberries with yogurt and granola. I also took home a fresh-baked scone from Green Leaf Pasteries last week - Kim made those scones with love that left me wising I had purchased more than one.

Last week we had 35 vendors at the market. With a few more new vendors coming in by the end of July we should hit 40. I say this here to give you fair warning - prepare to spend more time at the market. I know people come before work, before yoga class, and after an early bird yard-sale tour. Last week we had a group of friends congregate at the indoor cafe - they helped me close the place up. Lingering for that last bit of laughter shared over samples of chocolate.

And about that chocolate. Sharon Jackson and Eleanor Warren will be returning this week to fundraise for a mission trip to Nicaragua. They are sampling their Xocai healthy dark chocolate and selling 50/50 tickets to support the PAN Mission group. My Mom (Sandy) and my Aunt (Patti) are a part of this year's mission group that are heading to Nicaragua in August to teach women to sew and market their business. Sharon and Eleanor are inside the building raising funds and awareness for the entire mission; Sandy and Patti will have a booth outside selling items they have sewn to help raise funds for their own expenses to be a part of the mission trip.

Congratulations to Carl Bagshaw who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. Everyone who has won the basket is overwhelmed by the bounty of the vendor's gifts. Many of the vendors also read this post so I pass on the Thanks to them.

With the increase in vendors and hence customers at the market there is an increase in the number of four legged friends at the market. I have fielded many concerns about dogs in the market pavilions. They are not allowed in the building and signs are posted at both entrances to this effect. The concerns raised about dogs in the pavilions include having them in close proximity to food, dogs loudly voicing their opinions about other dogs, and the crowding that happens with lots of dogs and lots of people. I am a dog lover at heart but I see both sides of this scenario. If possible please leave your furry friends at home or stay with them around the outskirts of the pavilions. I would love to have a place in the shade to wait with the dogs but our property is not able to accomodate that. We are looking into regulations regarding this topic but in the meantime..... Many Thanks.

So it is that I have written another lengthy post; always signing off with so much more to say and not enough room to say it all. We can chat about it at the market.

See you there,

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Happy Birthday Canada!

2010-06-30T19:37:00.013-04:00

We are celebrating our colours at the market on Saturday July 3rd by handing out flags and pins. I hope you are taking in some of the festivities around the county - we are going for a Guinness Record at Port Stanley - the most amount of people wearing red and singing O Canada! on the beach. The time for that is 9pm Thursday evening - just before fireworks. Canfest celebrations are happening all weekend long in Port Stanley. In town, the celebrations are happening at the Doug Tarry Ball Complex this year - 4pm - 11pm (fireworks there at 10pm).

As for the market celebrations, Spicers Bakery is bringing some surprise red & white treats. We will have the flags & pins with various vendors and volunteers to hand out to the first 100 customers. (I'm currently looking for my Canadian Flag tatoos left over from last year). I can think of a hundred reasons why I am thankful to live in Canada and you must know that farmers' markets is in the top ten. My idyllic summer consists of day tripping down the road to a live theatre production and a farmers market or two.......

Josie Allosery's of Josie's Plants is done for another season. DeBackere Farms will be starting in that end booth of the South pavilion but probably not for another two weeks. Last week Stan sold out of Kosic's pesticide free tomatoes, and Ralph sold out of sweet cherries! I saw rasperberries and blueberries at Berry Hill Fruit Farms and it's challenging to walk by Green Leaf Pasteries without trying something new that Kim has baked fresh the night before.

I usually ask someone what they are cooking from the market that day - last week the meal was sauteed arugala with fresh basil, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. We have many chefs in our midst! If you are looking for recipes - the display shelf in the back foyer of the building is overflowing with fresh ideas from Foodland Ontario and other associations.

Congratulations again to all the Dad's who picked up a gift certificate from Farmgate Markets for our Father's Day Contest. One of our winners actually wrote about his grandfather: My "Avo" is the best grandfather in the world. He's there for me and teaches me new things. He teaches me about sports and history too! Jeff about his Avo Tedd.

And the customer appreciation basket goes to Gary Campbell this week. Gary is a long-time customer of the market and is happy to finally have won the coveted prize! One of these times soon I will get a picture of the lucky winner to display here.

Happy Birthday Canada - remember to take time; give gratitude where gratitude is due; we are VERY blessed!

See you at the market.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

And the Winners are.....

2010-06-24T20:29:00.014-04:00

The Ontario Premier recently handed out awards of excellence to businesses across the province shinning in the area of Agri-Food Inovation. Not only did Elgin County have three businesses take home awards, but all three are also vendors at our market. Congratulations to Dick & Renee Saarloos of Berry Hill Fruit Farm, Ray Coddington & Sandy Lyle of Farmgate Markets Inc, and to Judi and Carl Lindsay of Nature's Perfection Shiitake Mushrooms. Well done!

School's out shortly, Canada Day arrives and the dog-days of summer begin. (although we have had a few dog-days already to be sure). Erie Gardens is having a Crazy Canuck sale this weekend at the market - stop by their booth to find amazing deals on bedding plants and baskets.

We have a few vendors on vacation this weekend: Karen's Kushions, Moonstone Aromatherapy, and Surely Homemade are all away. And a few new vendors you may have noticed last week: Ashley of Copper Leaf Skin Care, Andy Ivan with strawberries from Union, and this week another new vendor bringing sweet cherries. Ralph has been talking to me since last season and is so excited to be a vendor at our market. I think he was in the orchard picking the cherries himself when he called me to say he would be there this Saturday.

Last week we held a Father's Day contest asking kids to tell us why their Dad is the best DAD in the whole world. The winner's will be contacted by phone to pick up their prizes at the market. Here are a few responses we received:

"Because he makes us special breakfast sometimes and he takes us the the Horton Market (We LOVE ging to the market!)" Maxym & Ryann about their dad Stefan

"We go fishing. He is strong with big muscles and he needs them to carry me upstairs when I fall asleep on the couch. He swims with me and plays X-box. He is my best friend." Cooper S

"Because he loves me and takes care of me and he is very funny and kind." Laura about dad Charles

The other winner to mention is Brian Rogers who won the customer appreciation basket last week. I love how this works - I get to call the lucky draw every week and have so much fun handing over the basket to the unsuspecting winner. The vendors are incredibly generous in contributing to the basket every week. As it happened with Brian, I have been chatting with him and his wife Pamela almost every Saturday, but did not know their names. This week's winner is Joy Wendling. Remember to fill out your ballot each week - the table is set up in the back foyer near the washrooms. Good Luck!

We have some fun events planned for the remainder of the season - we are aiming for one 'big event' each month. Canada Celebration, Horton Market Birthday Bash, Canning Demos, and IPM events still to come - check the back foyer of the building for upcoming dates.

Happy Summer and look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba St, St. Thomas, ON

519.777.9529

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Happy Father's Day at the Market...

2010-06-17T20:56:00.013-04:00

We had a muggy, hot day last saturday. Our indoor ventilation system was working at full steam (sadly, it is not air conditioning like some thought); we did feel the occasional cool breeze through the building but everyone had to stand still, only to inhale while waiting, then collectively sigh when it had passed, happy to comment on how nice that was. I can honestly say that I was undecided about whether conditions were better indoors or outdoors. And still, we had a great day!

You will be happy to hear that we are giving away chocolate covered strawberries again this Saturday. If you missed these delectable treats last year, please be sure to track one of us down this Saturday. The Promotions committee in partnership with Renee Sarloos of Berry Hill Fruit Farms (also a director of the Board of Management) has put together this tasty little treat - our way of saying Thankyou. Last I heard, 200 strawberries are being dipped in dark chocolate. People asked me last year if they could buy them from me and I think I might have accidentially given a few people more than one. Be sure to Enjoy!

We are also having a little Father's Day contest at the face painting table in the outdoor cafe of the North Pavilion. Help your kids fill out a ballot telling everyone why their Dad is so great. We have a few donated prizes from our vendors and we will draw the name of a lucky Dad every hour.

Remember I mentioned earlier that I would highlight guest vendors' posts? I put this offer out to all our vendors to send me information about their business, their passions, and their path to arriving as a vendor at the Horton Farmers' Market. Following is some interesting information about Annie Adams who has a flair for display at her booth inside the building.

Annie Adams has had a passion for sewing since she was a young child. She remembers wanting to sew just like her Mother and how she would hover and putter around her Mother’s side until she was allowed to sew on her own. Annie raised and sewed for her seven children and now enjoys creating items for her sixteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren! Although she still enjoys altering the occasional wedding dress, she now prefers to sew less fussy items. She also keeps busy doing volunteer repairs and alterations for the nursing home where her husband resides, as well as for the hospital.

Annie sews for infants, children, adults, seniors, and pets. Here is just a small list of items she can whip up for you....

Aprons, Bibs, Bonnets, Burpie Pads, Receiving Blankets, Infants Fitted Sheet Sets, Book Covers,
Chair Caddy’s, Girl’s Dresses, Girl’s Baby dolls, Children’s Shorts, Boxers, Pyjamas, Children’s Paint Shirts, Beach Bags, Travel Bags, Shoe Bags, Children’s Totes, Pencil Cases, Granny Nightgowns, Seniors “gentlemen’s” bibs, Surgical Caps, Dog scarves, Cat Nip toys, Clothes Pin Bags, Heating Pads, Pot Holders, Placemats, Napkins, Kitchen Hand Towels, Children’s hand Towels, Table Runners, Tea Cozies, Toaster Covers, Ironing Board Covers, Pillow Cases, Wine Bottle “Tuxedos”, Pin cushions.... if it can be sewn, she can sew it!

(Annie seen here to the left with another avid sewer - my Mom)

Retiring from Fabric Land after eighteen years Annie moved from Sudbury to St. Thomas in 2009 due to her husband’s illness and to be with her family. Annie is thrilled to a part of the Horton Farmers' Market where she is able to share her passion for sewing with others. She looks forward to the energy and friendship the market brings each Saturday morning.

If you have a passion for sewing, are interested in learning to sew, or looking for a specific item as a gift or for yourself, Annie welcomes you to stop by her friendly booth for a chat. She takes orders of all sizes!

And lastly from me, Empire Valley Farms will not be at the market this weekend. They are having their 25 year farming anniversary at their home business. You can tour their greenhouses and vegetable fields this weekend both Sat. & Sun, 1-4pm. They are located at 27983 Talbot Line, just west of Wallacetown. If you get a chance to say Hi to them at their home base.

What I love about the market (besides the breakfast sandwich, the uplifting connections made, and the unending gifts it bestows on our community), is that it is so comforting to know that you can trace your food source from farm to fork in one easy visit.

See you at the market,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Flowers at the Market....

2010-06-10T10:54:00.018-04:00

We had a steady, rhythmic day at the market this past weekend. The weather cooperated and the rain held off. We all speculated on the flow of traffic, whether folks had visited the St. Anne's festival, and what type of day it would turn out to be for the vendors and the customers. One of the ways I gage the day is by the number of breakfast sandwichs sold - 124 this past weekend. That number seems to be right around our new average for the 2010 season!

We have a few new craft vendors at the market. You may have already met Karen from Karen's Kushions - she handcrafts uniquely decorator throw cushions for any room in your home. She is located in the North Pavilion across from Kosic's Greenhouse tomatoes. This week we will have a new vendor: Uniquely Salvaged. Tineke De Jong is an aunt of Amber from Frisa Farm Eggs. She will be bringing outdoor garden decorations made from salvaged items such as old doors and window frames. She will also be in the North Pavilion.

Some vendors are winding down their 2010 market season already as they are gearing up for home-based business. Hertiage Line Herbs are finished at the market for another season but you can visit them at there home-based business at 53443 Heritage Line, Aylmer Ontario. Josie Allosery, located in the South Pavilion with her bedding plants will be finishing soon as well.

We have a new FREE booklet located on the back display shelf - The 2010 Visitor's Guide to Experience Elgin County and St. Thomas. This extensive booklet is published by the County of Elgi n and includes many of our market vendors, activities, and festivals happening in Elgin County. Be sure to pick up your free copy and take in all that our amazing county offers.

Thank you to Ray from Farmgate who donated the new flags, flag posts, and installed them on the front of the market building and pavilions. We are proudly displaying the flags of Canada, Ontario, and the City of St. Thomas. They also quickly catch the eye when looking down Manitoba Street from Talbot. A market customer suggested the idea and Ray quickly took the lead on making that happen.

We are looking for music at the market. If you know of anyone who would like to come and entertain a full crowd on a Saturday morning - unplugged and impromtu is best. The musicians are welcome to busk and play in different areas during the morning if they like. Please pass on my contact info to anyone who might be interested.

Congratulations to June Harris who won the customer appreciation draw. The ballots are in the back foyer. We've moved some of the cafe outdoors now at the front so be sure to suggest meeting at the market for your morning coffee and breakfast sandwich!

Be seeing you at the market!

(P.S. - Thankyou to my Aunt Patti for the amazing photos every week. She has been sending them to the St. Thomas Weekly News for publishing as well - good times at the Market!)

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager
St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market
2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON
519-777-9529
hortonmarket@hotmail.com
http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Good Things Grow in Ontario.....

2010-06-03T14:10:00.016-04:00

Strawberries are happening this weekend at the market. Look for the return of Berry Hill Fruit Farms with loads of fresh strawberries. We have a few more vendors returning within the next few weekends including Kim McCarvell of Green Leaf Pastry, DeBackere Farms, and RGrow Farms.

According to the Foodland Ontario Fruits and Vegetables Availability Guide, the following produce is available in June: Green Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cherries, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Radicchio, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Spinach, Sprouts, Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes (Greenhouse). Foodland Ontario also makes the disclaimer, on behalf of all farmers and market managers I am sure, that availability dates may change by several weeks with respect to rare varieties and/or weather conditions. My favourite farm fresh dish at this time of year is a simple spinach salad with a light oil dressing. I build on the salad as the bounty expands; this week I will be adding fresh strawberries to the mix.

Remember that customer survey so many of you kindly completed? The results are in and you can view the report by hopping over here. We had a high response rate with many positive results and comments about the market. Many of the suggestions for improvement were implemented over this past off-season including the new ventilation system. Did you notice the difference this past weekend inside the building?

I was not at the market but the weather was beautiful - I was told the temperature inside the building upon first arrival was 85 degrees. Within an hour, the fan circulated the hot air outside and brought the temperature down to a comfortable 72 degrees. There was much discussion and debate last year about how to effectively cool that building without air conditioning and this conclusion seems to be doing very well.

Congratulations last week to Ann Marie Cheung who won the customer appreciation draw and this week to Darlene Unwin. Vendors contribute to the goodie basket each week to provide an amazing prize for the winners. The vendor's and the market's way of saying Thank You. The ballots and the entry box for the draw are in the back foyer of the building by the washrooms - remember to fill out a ballot each week.

Did you take home any apple fritters last week? The folks from the Dutch Bakery had to return to their kitchen twice to restock their market table. We had another record day for vendor sales. This mailing list goes out to 500+ customers (of which we do not share/sell the list with any one else) and I know that it reaches even more as several of you pass it on to your contacts. If you are receiving this via that channel and would like to sign up - send me an email and I will make it happen. Many thanks for spreading the word.

See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market

2 Manitoba St., St. Thomas, ON

519-777-9529

http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

hortonmarket@hotmail.com

Signs of Summer.....

2010-05-26T18:46:00.014-04:00

I’m sitting on my back porch as I type this. The kids are playing tic-tac-toe with chalk on the floor of the playhouse. The birds are dinning on their 6 o’clock meal, attempting to drown out the background noise of the city traffic. Certainly sounds and feels like summer even though my weather prediction was a bit off for last weekend at the market; we saw rain for most of the morning. We tried to will the rain away and by 9am and I thought we had succeeded when the skies broke for a brief period, but then the clouds rolled back in and stayed for the rest of the morning. (The early bird got the strawberries and it wasn't me - I didn't see them until this picture!)

And yet another busy day at the market- there is much discussion about the droves of people out to the market when the weather is unpleasant. It was the first time however that I received more than one request to ‘do something about the parking lot’. I suspect it had a little to do with the rain also but a few customers’ vehicles were trapped in the parking lot longer than they would have preferred. I am putting in a request to the Board of Management (which goes to City Council as the property is owned by the City of St. Thomas) to provide a resolution but in the meantime, please be courteous to other customers and don’t block any vehicles in. We ended up putting a pylon on top of the vehicles that needed to be moved in hopes of catching someone’s attention sooner rather than later. (Sorry S.L. :-() (Colourful picture of Spicer's doughnuts)

I also had a request from the last newsletter to include the address details of the market for those customers visiting from out of town. The newsletter is emailed as a direct update from the blog which includes all contact details at the bottom of the blog page but I realize not everyone hops over to the blog. I will be including that information at the end of the newsletter from now on. Also, a few have mentioned that their pictures/wording sometimes skews on the receiving end of this - I send this out through Google Groups using their strict guidelines for launching an email direct from the blog. I suspect that it could be on the receiver's server setup side of things??? I send a copy of this newsletter to 3 separate email addresses that I own (different web servers) and they all come through properly spaced. Keep me posted...
(Market fan Micah to the right enjoying the famous Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo)

We had 34 vendors at the market this past weekend of Queen Victoria’s birthday (to learn more about her, I highly recommend the movie Young Victoria – she was quite an amazing woman!). All of these things are positive signs of growth and expansion which is the energy of summer. Please continue to share your suggestions, thoughts, and ideas – there are many people who care greatly about this market, and it shows.

We have a few new vendors joining us this week – Jake and Anya from The Dutch Bakery of St. Thomas will be bringing apple fritters by the dozens – they will be inside. And Barb’s Brickle from Port Stanely will be there with traveling cart et al. The coffee guys (Jay and Greg) are adding tea to their venue for the tea drinkers in the crowd (Many Thanks). Danielle from Delightlyfully tea will not be returning to the market this season due to family commitments on her farm.

This weekend will be a first for me - I won’t be at the market! I am away the whole weekend for a meditation retreat so my Mom (Sandy to the right with Ray) and my Aunt (Patti to the far left sitting with Jim & Kathy Lumely) have agreed to hold down the fort while I’m gone. I’m pretty sure I acquired my gift for gab from these two ladies so they will fit right in. Say Hi if you see them and please feel free to have an extra breakfast sandwich for me.

Stay Cool,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

St. Thomas Horton Farmers Market
2 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas, ON

(1/2 block North of Giant Tiger on Talbot Street)
http://www.hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/
519-777-9529

May Two Four Plant Sale....

2010-05-20T21:36:00.006-04:00

I think we all have an internal time-clock that says it's not really planting time, pool opening time, picnic season, until May two four has arrived. As the weekend draws near, the temperature and the gas prices increase. I try not to get ahead of myself when predicting the weather but yesterday was lovely, today even warmer, so Saturday.......

The Horticulture Society is having the annual plant sale at the market this weekend. The fundraiser for Africa through the folks from Word & Deed are also back this weekend. I go through a list of hosta's with Peter from S-W Gardens every Saturday - hosta's being my favourite plant as they are low maintenance, can be split to fill in space, and are perenials. Then there are the beautiful hanging baskets at both Empire Valley and Erie Gardens. I'm not a big fan of gardening (there; I said it outloud - is that such a crime?), but I love plants and flowers at my house. Hence the joy of purchasing other peoples' joy of gardening - the hanging baskets mentioned above, and the potted herbs from Heritage Line Herbs.

The creativity overflows every Saturday morning as well. I love the new shelf idea McSmith's Organics rigged up! And I frequently stop by Moonstone Aromatheraphy Spa Products (inside) to inhale the scent of Jacqui's lavender and grapefruit scented bath salts. Spicer's was close to sold-out this past weekend too! They start out just literally overflowing from the racks and tables. We moved the coffee guys indoors - a better logistics plan for the breakfast sandwich combo (which saw 131 combos sold in four hours this past week!) I had the first sandwich off the grill for the 2010 season - my heart's at peace.....

Congratulations to Helena Clark who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. Keep smiling and look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Better Weather this weekend...

2010-05-13T21:41:00.010-04:00

As it probably couldn’t be much worse than last weekend – yet – we still had an amazing opening day! The 80km (so it felt) winds and rain that looked like S-N-O-W at times did not deter our record number of vendors – 32 to start! The pancake breakfast was yummy, the coffee was hot, and the Retreads serenaded us for most of the morning. Nice to see you all back.

The breakfast sandwich combo starts up again this weekend. Ray and Sandy from Farmgate Markets cook up this business venture using eggs from Frisa Farms, their famous Farmgate chemical free bacon or sausage patty on an English muffin, and coffee or juice to round out this amazing deal - $5 to start your morning. I have had withdrawal symptoms from the sandwich since November of last year – I may have to work up to my two count.

Bedding plants and potted herbs are available…. Another reason why the weather can only get better. We have gardening to do; flowers to grow. The folks from Word & Deed will be back on the long weekend with their plant sale as well as the group from the St. Thomas Horticultural Society with their annual plant sale.

We have a mandate for our farmers’ market where we define the term ‘local’ to be a 60 km geographical radius around the market. This includes vendors from London, Aylmer, Straffordville, Thamesford, and as even as far away as Woodstock. I mention this here as I see and hear many different interpretations of the term ‘local’. There are local business owners, local producers/manufacturers, and local service providers. Are the five or so Tim Horton’s local? What about Canadian Tire? And how about the local resident that has a business that retails product where more than 80% of it is manufactured somewhere else (not local; not Canadian). How do you define local? What factors do you consider in your purchasing decisions? Just a little extra food for thought.

Last week I came home from the market with muffins, vegan energy bars, honey, and quiche. There were many other items on my list that I didn’t get to that I have to stock up on this week – fresh pizza, asparagus, spinach, peppers, and potted herbs. It is so exciting to see that much of our grocery shopping can be done at the market first.

Congratulations to Coreyanna Van Laar who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. Remember to put your name in for the draw each week. The box is in the back foyer by the restrooms. Also, please forward this newsletter on to anyone else you know who is interested in fresh produce, a spirited atmosphere, and a connection to community and food. This newsletter is one of our most effective ways to stay in touch outside of market day. Thank you all for your continued feedback.

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Opening Day In TWO sleeps.....

2010-05-06T21:27:00.022-04:00

Or one more sleep if you happen to be reading this Friday a.m. (Market Season Begins May 8th; 8am - Noon)

We've primped and primed the building; vendors have been bringing in their shelves and signage. We've rolled out the carpets (okay, floor mats - but that's still exciting as Roto-Static of St. Thomas is sponsoring a large portion of that cost for the market this season!)

The supplies have been gathered and the volunteers scheduled - the pancake breakfast is sizzling. The invitation has been extended to several of our community representatives to help flip pancakes. Oegema's Turkey Shoppe is preparing the sausage; Plamers Maple Syrup have donated the syrup; Berry Hill Fruit Farm is bringing a strawberry compote for topping and the Bulk Barn generously donated the pancake mix. All of this pulled together by the volunteers of the promotions committee. Be sure to say Hi to those dedicated folks too. Thank you J.D. for all that you do.

Someone asked me this week where my lists were. I have taken so many phone calls, emails, visits, and meetings in the past week that the lists have gone out the window. We have many returning vendors, a few vendors have moved on to other cities or sold their business, and a few new faces you will be meeting over the next few Saturdays. In May, we average 24 vendors and building up to average of 40 during peek months of September and October.

Those vendor numbers do not include groups that come to the market who are not revenue generating groups. The Public Library staff, for example, enjoyed their time at the market so much last year, they are returning for two Saturdays each month this season. They bring books for loan and can scan on the spot so don't forget your library card.

We also have fundraising groups that only attend one or two times during the season but are a big draw for customers. The Seniors Center is bringing fresh baked pies this weekend - perfect for anyday, but particularly good for Mother's Day. Plants from Word & Deed are for sale this Saturday and May 22nd to raise money for orphanages in Malawi, Africa. Inside, you will find Mary Edgar selling handbeaded jewelry made by women co-operative groups in Uganda, Africa.

I have followed Mary's journey since I met her at the market last year. She is a volunteer with WENDWOA (West Nile Disadvantaged Women & Orphans Assoc.) who lives part time here in little ole' Sparta, Ontario and part-time in Uganda, Africa. My children and I off-loaded our craft bin at Mary's table last year and she took our beads and string, along with other collected supplies and headed to Africa in November. She works, lives, and counsels with these women and children, assisting in putting their lives back together. Not only are they learning how to build a solid business that can start feeding their families again, but they also are rebuilding homes, schools and communities. Kudos to you Mary! I am looking forward to adding a WENDWOA creation to our growing collection made with some of our donated supplies.

And, of course, like only Canadians can do, we have begun predicting the market-day weather forecast. I have been advised: cloudy, windy, rainy, nasty cold and chance of frost. Sounds like a perfect spring day to me to be starting the 2010 market season!

See you soon,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Are you stopping by the market for opening day?

2010-04-28T21:51:00.025-04:00

We are putting on the final touches; anticipation is in the air. Opening day for the 2010 season is

SATURDAY, MAY 8th, 8am - 12noon

(not the first Saturday in May which happens to be May 1st - I am gently reminding here as I have had several people asking if it is the first Saturday in May).

To kick off the season and to connect with the community again, the Market Promotions Committee has planned a Pancake Breakfast, complete with turkey breakfast sausage from Oegama's Turkey Shoppe; chef skills to be offered by some of the Mayoral Candidates of St. Thomas. Bring the family and come on an empty stomach! All proceeds from this breakfast go to the promotions of our market.

The breakfast sandwich will resume it's regularly scheduled breakfast combo deal starting the second week back - the folks at Farmgate Markets (along with the rest of us) want to see how fast the 'chefs' can flip.

It is Mother's Day Weekend and many of the vendors are including specials or promotions for the women in your lives (my Aunt, Amazing Mom, and the Market Volunteer Photographer in the far left of the photo).

Our new, full service coffee vendor is brewing a special blend of fair-trade coffee that is fairly purchased from a group of women coffee growers of the global south. As part of that full service, Jay Wiebe from The Part-Time Peasant is an associate brewer of Fire Roasted Coffee from London, ON. He is very keen and excited to be starting at the market this year and is offering various brews as well as beans to purchase. He is also offering two different size coffee cups on market day - large and larger! And a special vendor discount so be sure to remind him if you are a vendor!

Another new vendor this year is Cindy Birchman; her business is called Succulent Wonders. Here is a guest post with a few details about Cindy's business in her own words:

"This season I will be providing a variety of succulents and other drought-tolerant plants in decorative manners, focusing on growing plants vertically. I create one-of-a-kind living wreaths, living pictures, hanging terrariums, light bulb terrariums, dish gardens and potted collections. I will be taking custom orders on market days also.

Succulent plants, also known as succulents or fat plants, are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climates and soil conditions. Succulent plants store water in their leaves, stems and/or roots. The storage of water often gives succulent plants a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants, also known as succulence. Many succulents come from the dry areas of the tropics and subtropics, such as steppes, semi-desert and desert. High temperatures and low precipitation force plants to collect and store water in order to survive long dry periods. Because of this feature, succulents are generally low maintenance plants.

Succulents thrive on neglect. They grow best in bright, indirect light and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. Because succulents are adapted to dry conditions, do not over-water or allow their "feet to be wet". Other than that, succulents are easy to care for and will amaze you with their variety of shapes, textures and colours. Stars, sticks, rosettes, fuzzy, smooth, bumpy, red, purple, yellow, chartreuse, lavender, short, tall, cascading or shrub-like; there is a plant for every taste!"

Amber DeJong and the team from Frisa Farms are back, thankfully, with their cartons and cartons of eggs. You can read a bit more on the egg farmers' struggle and the challenges of getting those eggs to market.

I have been establishing a few guidelines for this newsletter based on the comments from last season and the continued growth of the market. The purpose of this newsletter (which a direct post from the blog), is to gently remind you all about the market on Saturday and to keep you informed of what is coming up, including what is in season. It was not intended as a form of advertising for the vendors, however, we all want to know a bit about our vendors. There in lies the challenge, as last season we had over 60 vendors during the course of the season.

I have offered each vendor one guest spot in the newsletter. Given the number of vendors we have, and how many of them take me up on this offer, you may see two or three vendor spotlight in each newsletter.

There are many details I have not yet included, like the gift the Promotions Committee is handing out for the first 100 Moms, or that the Retreads will be playing their tunes on opening day, but for the sake of brevity, I will post more in the next mailing.

Wishing you well and looking forward to seeing you at the market!

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Happy Spring...

2010-03-22T21:03:00.016-04:00

First, let me say Welcome to all new members who signed up at the Canadale Spring Garden show. We had a fun weekend and it was great to connect with so many market goers! I am looking forward to seeing you all at the market and, yes, I will likely remember - my memory of faces tends to serve me well so please track me down to say "Hi".

Spring has sprung and we are in the final stages of enhancements to the market building. The results are in from both the vendor survey and the customer survey. Thank you for your enthusiastic and beneficial comments. We are compiling the data for the Board of Management to review. The results will be posted on the blog shortly so in the meantime, let me briefly fill you in on what's happening in the next few weeks.

The updates to the market include: in the building - a new ventilation system, an electronic security system, stainless steel countertops with 3-part sinks, a vendor utility sink, changes to the accessibility washroom be a family washroom complete with baby change table, door closers on the other two washrooms, and directional changes to the doors to help increase fire code capacity. Outdoors, we upgraded the electrical service in the north pavilion to run on separate breakers. (Now more than one vendor can 'plug-in' at a time). Signage is on its way and tables and chairs for the indoor are also on order.

Whew - that's quite a list! And with a large number of dedicated people behind those upgrades from all the many different groups and associations involved, we can all be proud of these accomplishments. The funding came through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) under the Local Food Strategy initiative. The St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market Board of Management (the Board) also contracted the services of a strategic planner who facilitated the design of a three year strategic plan and a vendor communications package. All of this will start to roll out in the 2010 Market Season.

So, what's happening on opening day? Saturday May 8th! 8am - 12noon!

You'll get chance to connect with many returning vendors and also meet a few new vendors! You can expect fresh, home-made pizzas, baked goods, fresh bread and bedding plants by the dozens. Meat, eggs, honey, spring rolls, maple syrup, organic lettuce and maybe even a few radishes! We also have local, high-quality produced dog food & treats, bath products, and specialty chocolates. Hot brewed coffee to go with the pancake breakfast we're serving up on Mother's Day Weekend. The Promotions Committee has been planning all winter long - stay tuned for events from their 2010 season calendar.

We had a vendor meeting just this past Tuesday - Thank you to all who were able to attend -the momentum is rising. Everyone has fresh ideas and energy to infuse the market with life once again.

Can't wait to see you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Last Call for Market Customer Survey Data...

2010-02-23T21:56:00.012-05:00

Hi All,
This is a quick hello and follow up request to have a look at our customer survey to complete.

Your feed-back is of extreme value, whether you were a regular attendee or only attended once or twice. All responses are confidential and anonymous. You will not be contacted regarding your answers unless you request that in one of the comments sections.

The survey closes February 28th so if you haven’t already, we encourage you to take this opportunity to share your thoughts on last year’s market and suggestions on what changes you would like to see this year and in the future. The more respondents we have, the better our understanding of our customers needs.

Again, the survey is confidential and has fewer than 20 questions.

Many Thanks,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Happy New Year!!

2010-02-11T22:01:00.012-05:00

I am happy to be back, as market manager sending you the very first newsletter of 2010 for the St. Thomas Horton Farmers' Market.

Before I talk about anything else, I ask you to hop over here and give us your opinion. This is one of the main areas I am working on during this hibernation time of the market. We are busy strategizing, collecting data, and recruiting new vendors and customers alike to the market for 2010. Your five minutes of time is of extreme value so thank you in advance for your participation in the survey.

Another project under way includes a few more upgrades to the market building itself. You will be happy to see a new ventilation system that will help cool off the green house experience we went through in July and August indoors. There will be shiny new three part sinks and steel countertops to keep things in stride with food handling regulations, and increased hydro access in the North Pavilion for outdoor vendors. And for the future generation of market goers, a baby change table is now installed in the family access washroom.

That's only round one. We have a few more things we are working on including signage for the building and indoor vendor tables - but more about round two later.

Lastly, I have had the luxury of stepping out into the world of 'Farmers Markets' at-large a bit more. I recently attended the Canadian Organic Conference at the University of Guelph where I furiously scribbled notes at a Farmers Market Direct Forum. The room was packed full of farmers, market managers, chefs, and people who love fresh food. I hung out in the farmers market networking room and chatted further. The experience confirmed the importance of what the farmers' market does for community, agriculture, environment, and food sustainibility.

We're on the right track.

I will be posting from time to time but not on a weekly basis yet. If you know of anyone interested in being a vendor at the market, please pass on the news! Vendor packages will be going out in early March.

Remember the survey :-)

Many Thanks,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Year End Celebration slight VENUE change.....

2009-11-05T14:44:00.007-05:00

Ticket Sales for the market year end celebration have been great! So great, in fact, that we have sold more tickets than what capacity at the market building will allow - the location has changed.

The event details are as follows:

Saturday November 7, 2009 (same date)

6pm - 9:30pm (same time)

St. Thomas Public Art Gallery,
301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, N5P 1B5 (different location)

Tickets: $15 adult; $10 child (5-12yrs); children under 5 free (same rate at the door)

Kim Saunders, local chef from the Windjammer Inn is putting together a fantastic apetizer menu using product from the following vendors:

Gredigs Apples & Cider
Plamers Maple Syrup
Berry Hill Fruit Farms
RGrow Farms
Farmgate Markets
Quai du Vin
Coffee Cultures
McSmiths Organics

Thanks also to Erie Gardens and RGrow farms for the beautiful fall decorations.

Please pass this information on to anyone you might be aware of that was interested in attending and perhaps have not purchased tickets yet - they are available at the door - now at the new venue of the Art Gallery.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Cheers,
Tricia Herbert

Has it Really Been 6 Months???

2009-10-29T21:03:00.015-04:00

It would seem I just started this blog, figured out how to get it from my computer to yours (with some expertise help from NH), laughed more than once about a comment that was made about a market experience, and now, here we are. The last market day of this season, this Saturday, October 31st. (picture to the right is the first day -May 9, 2009)

Many of our vendors operate year-round from their own business locations. Visit the Jaydancin booth inside the building to pick up your free handmade soap - at the market this Saturday only. As a Thank You gift you the customers. You can visit Jaydancin Body & Soul at their year round location on Main Street in Sparta. Gredigs Orchards will have baked goods made from the team at Arthur Voaden culinary class - they have some apples and cider available at their farm location on Ron McNeil Line close to hwy 74. Oegema's operates the Turkey Shoppe at their farm on hwy #4 Talbotville. Farmgate Markets operates a year-round shop at 310 Wellington St - you can also pick up tickets for the Harvest Fest at Farmgates if you miss getting them at the market this weekend. (and there are many more I have mentioned throughout the season)

So much gratitude to all our vendors - this was an AMAZING season and you all deserve a big Thank You! It has been rewarding to watch and be a part of the growth, friendships, and community bonding that has cycled out from the market.

Your chance to socialize and chat with the vendors and other market goers is fast arriving. Harvest Fest Family Open House is Saturday, November 7th 6pm-9:30pm at the market building. Appetizers are prepared by local chef Kim Saunders of The Windjammer Inn of Port Stanley. Coffee, Hot Apple Cider, and wine samples from Quai du Vin are also on the venue. I am looking forward to the photo slide show that charts the memories of the last 6 months - you may see a few pics of yourself in there! We have a table set up this Saturday to sell tickets for Harvest Fest. This will be your last chance to purchase tickets at the market. Why not make it an evening out for you and a group of friends. The kids will enjoy the activities table and everyone, including the vendors, gets a chance to mingle.

And here I linger, a little hesitant to sign off for the night. This is not good bye, but rather see you soon. (or hearing from me again soon). I will send out one more update about Harvest Fest and I will keep in touch over the winter. Maybe a few ways we can help maintain and sustain our local economy.... maybe exciting news about what we're planning for the 2010 Market Season.

See you at the Market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Harvest Fest Tickets Are Ready.....

2009-10-22T16:42:00.009-04:00

The Horton Breakfast Sandwich has become an integral part of the market experience. This week's celebrity chef is Mike Robbins of Kettle Creek Inn of Port Stanley.

The Kettle Creek Inn menu is built around the belief in buying locally—they have developed a long list of local suppliers. Mike has been at the Inn for just over 3 years. He completed Culinary Management Training at Canador College in Barrie and enjoyed stints as chef in Barrie, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. Born and raised in St. Thomas he was happy to move back to the area near family. I am looking forward to my standard 2 count!

Now, for those details about Harvest Fest. We are hosting a year-end open house at the market building on Saturday, November 7th from 6 – 9:30pm and you’re invited.

You may know Kim Saunders, local chef from the Windjammer Inn in Port Stanley (she flipped a 'whack' of eggs last week as celebrity chef). She is preparing an assortment of sweet and savoury appetizers for this event using as much of our vendors’ products as possible. We are so excited to be hosting the open house at the market building this year – a great way to end the 2009 season; the first season the building has been in full market operation in many years.

The theme is strictly fun and social time. An opportunity to chat with the vendors, members of the board, and other market-goers. There will be an on-going video presentation of the memories captured from the full season as well as an activity table for the kids. The food and beverage samplings come from many of our vendors, including Quai du Vin (samples only; this is not a licensed event).

There are a limited number of tickets for this event. Adults @ $15 each, children (5-12yrs) $10 each. You can purchase your tickets at the market for the next two Saturdays (cash only) – we will have a table set up inside the building. Or you can purchase tickets at any of the following locations: Farmgate Markets at 310 Wellington Street; Oracles Book Shop at 556 Talbot Street; by return email to me to arrange if you are unable to access any of these avenues.
And the vendors keep coming! This week say Hello to new vendors Eileen from Sparta Scrapbooking (she will have pre-made kits for your holiday scrapbooking needs), Karen Huber of Aylmer will have fall produce and decorative items and Hunter Beamish is returning to the market with squash and pumpkins. This is the perfect time to pick up those jack-o-lantern pumpkins!

Mother Nature's Kitchen and Tip Toes Body Care are away this week but will be back for our market season finale on October 31st. The kids will love the straw-bale maze on the 31st. I hear there is lots to find hidden inside the maze - come dressed up - why not make Halloween last all day?

Lastly, the customer appreciation draw has been moved indoors - close to the indoor cafe. It is a little chilly outdoors and the fingers are not moving the pen to paper quite so well.

Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia

To Market, to market, to buy.....

2009-10-15T23:39:00.016-04:00

What a beautiful weekend Thanksgiving turned out to be! Sunny skies and a little warmer temperature made for a picture perfect day. Special thanks goes to Patti Kilmer (my aunt) who is our volunteer photographer. She has done an amazing job of capturing the memories and the bounty of the market this season. Her photos are posted on the interior walls of the building and throughout this blog. I have not even used half of the photos she has taken as I tend to return to my favourites. I am putting together a post-season photo collage that will be available for the Harvest Fest being held at the market building on November 7, 2009.

Harvest Fest has been approved by city council to be held at the market building this year. We are excitedly putting together the details of this celebratory family open house to be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 6 – 10pm. This is a time to socialize, to celebrate the 2009 market season, and to gather our wish list for the 2010 season. We will have appetizers, desserts and beverages for all ages. Tickets are $15 each, $10 for children ages 5- 12 (4 & under free). This is a ticket-only event so you may want to purchase yours early to avoid disappointment. I will be taking prepaid orders this weekend and will provide further details in the near future of other locations where you can pick up tickets for this special event.

You may have noticed a particular vendor at the market for the last few weeks promoting the Doors Open Ontario, which is happening this weekend in St. Thomas. The St. Thomas Horton Farmers’ Market building is one of several sites featured on the St. Thomas tour. The market will operate as usual from 8am to 12 noon, however, the building will remain open to the general public for self-guided tours, until 4pm.

Celebrity chef this week for the Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo is Kim Saunders from the Windjammer Inn of Port Stanley. Kim was one of our local chefs at the popular Freshfest event in August. Her menu at the Windjammer Inn is loaded with fresh and local fare. I'm sure we will keep her busy with our breakfast sandwich orders if last weeks' sales are any indication - Wade Fitzgerald from Garlic's made a whopping 150 sandwichs. (and yes, I had my usual 2 although someone tried to announce that I was back for a 3rd but I was only ordering for my Aunt)

The St.Thomas Hawks Football Teams are raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Team members will be dying their hair blue this Sunday after practice and then shaving it all off in two weeks at the Elgin Mall. Visit the Jaydancin booth inside to pledge for this fundraiser and to purchase tickets for a gift-basket worth $75 of Jaydancin products. (tickets for the basket draw are $5). All money raised from the gift-basket draw will be donated to this fundraiser.

We are continuing to collect non-parishable food donations for the Caring Cupboard. Remember to bring your donations to the market and leave in the bin set up in the back lobby of the building. Thank you.

You will notice the market contracting a bit more each weekend. ONLY three market days remaining for the 2009 season. Watch for our season finale Straw Bale Maze on October 31st. Fun for kids and adults alike - I wonder if any of the vendors will dress up for Halloween at the market? This is the last week for McSmith’s Organic Produce at the market. Their farm on Shorelea Rd is open year-round for organic meat, poultry and eggs. Rgrow Farms is done for another year as is DeBackere Farms. Canados Mini doughnuts and Sin-o-Buns are both finished for this season.
We had 34 vendors this past weekend – which means there are plenty of vendors still coming to market. (Guess how many times I have heard the jig: “To market, to market, to buy….. I love it!)

I want to start sharing my list of most favourite things about the market. To wind down the season gently. My MOST favourite thing is the recounting of stories about the market, about how it used to be in the good ole' days and how it ‘feels’ like that again. Those memories are priceless. Not only do they live on from years past but we are creating new ones along side of them. Another of my favourite things is the FUNNY jokes that have been told. I cannot recount them here, but you can ask me about them later. And one more thing for this chat – the camaraderie and partnerships formed between vendors. So key to strengthening our local community and economy and it just happens naturally.

Many thanks and see you at the market.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

A few Last Minute Updates for this weekend...

2009-10-09T19:43:00.003-04:00

Hello All,

It would appear that Mother Nature has other plans this weekend, thus affecting our planned straw-bale maze for the kids. We are moving this activity to be our season finale occurring on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Also, we would love to donate to the Caring Cupboard but our parishable items are not easily donated. What we can do though, is ask you to bring a non-parishable item to the market for the remaining market days and we will glady drop the donations off at the Caring Cupboard. We will have bins set up inside the market building for your donations. Thank You.

Lastly, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There will be volunteers situated at the market this weekend collecting donations for the pink ribbon campaign.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Thanksgiving at the Horton Farmers' Market....

2009-10-08T22:02:00.015-04:00

Thanksgiving at the market has me counting my blessings. Honestly, for all the things we can complain about, we have much more to be thankful for. Freedom of speech, accessible running water, shelter, our choice of where to buy our morning coffee, and a community to call home, to name only a few.

You won’t be able to miss our Straw-bale maze at the west end of the pavilions. Bring the kids and join them on a mini tour through the maze. There will be candy treats at the end of the maze. And for the Thanksgiving celebration at home, pick up a fresh turkey from Oegema's (they will have approximately 20 available with little other stock for this Saturday) and a pumpkin or apple pie from the ladies of the Fingal United Church.

The Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo has taken on a life of it’s own. Celebrity guest Wade Fitzgerald from Garlic’s of London is cooking up the breakfast sandwich – a la Wade. Wade’s background is diverse, starting with his beginnings in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, chef training in PEI, working through Halifax, Ottawa, and landing in London at Garlic’s in 2007. His mandate is to support the local growers and producers and he often visits the farms to develop a personal relationship with the growers. He’s bringing his own specialty bun and adding the option of fresh lettuce and tomato. Yum – definitely a two sandwich day for me!

And this note from Kim McCarvell of Green Leaf Pastry: I will have a limited number of fresh apple and fresh pumpkin pies( all individually handcrafted and decorated with leaf shaped pastry) as well as the usual tarts, squares and cookies. Also, my soon to be famous Golden Jewel Butter(a decadent take on cranberry sauce!!- my husband's grandmother reportedly ate hers by the spoonful out of the jar!!) as well as other fruit jams. NEW THIS WEEK - the long awaited Gluten-free pumpkin, apple and butter tarts & date squares. This is my second last week at the market so I will have information available on how to order Christmas baking(thinking ahead) For the little kids(and big ones too) there are Thanksgiving sugar cookies. Also, three kinds of foccacia bread this week- Sundried Tomato Herb, Olive Fougasse, and Fresh Herb and Feta.

This is the last week for Janis Smith Flowers – Janis and Mark are bringing ornamental pumpkin centerpieces to complete your Thanksgiving table. Also, the last week for Rgrow Farms and DeBackere Farms. We’re starting to wind down the 2009 season, with our last market day being October 31st.

To celebrate the 2009 season, we are holding a Market Harvest Fest on Saturday November 7th. This is an opportunity to celebrate a wonderful season at the market building. It will give everyone (vendors, customers, kids, city officials, and manager) a chance to mingle and socialize. It will be an Open House from 6 – 9pm, and there will be samplings of appetizers and desserts, sourcing everything local from the market. We have many details to put together in a short period of time – I will be sending out a separate email regarding just this event, including ticket details and menu items.

Four more market days left. I can remember marking off my calendar when I began this position – 26 market days. That’s the longest amount of time I have consistently arose at 5am on a Saturday morning (Ray may attest to that as he has made it to the market doors maybe a few times before me). I don’t mind the early mornings, what is more difficult for me is when the party’s over. It gets really quiet very quickly shortly after 12 noon. I imagine though that it is much like that whenever there are large amounts of people in short periods of time - just want the fun and blessings to continue.

Cheers and see you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Happy October.....

2009-10-02T17:36:00.007-04:00

The first Saturday of the month of October and hence, the St. Thomas Public Library will be at the market this weekend. Be sure to bring your library card and take home a few timely books about fall and harvest.

We have been harvesting a bit of rain these last few days and will likely continue into the weekend. Rain at the market does not seem to be a problem – our pavilions are sheltering structures, and of course we have the indoor building which also provides shelter and blessed warmth. New inside the building this week is Carol Smith Permanent Christmas Trees. Carol is a returning vendor to the market and will be lighting up the inside this year with her crafty creations.

We continue to average 32 vendors per Saturday. That number includes various vendors finishing for the season and new vendors just beginning. And then there are those who have been here full-time from May 9th right to October 31st. New vendors this week include Quai du Vin with their Concord Sparkingly Grape Juice (non-alcoholic beverage). Sin-o-buns, RGrow Farms, and DeBackere Farms will be done on Thanksgiving weekend, so if you're like my mom and have been waiting for a special occasion to try the sin-o-buns, Thanksgiving is it!

Watch for LOCAL CELEBRITY CHEFS cooking up the Horton Breakfast Combo during the month of October. The breakfast sandwich combo has been a huge success this season. Kudos of gratitude to Sandy and Ray from Farmgate Markets (bacon, sausage, juice, water and all the other fixin’s including the cooking!), Amber from Frisa Farms (eggs of the combo), and the gals from Coffee Cultures (the coffee of the combo). We are proud to include the Horton Breakfast Combo as a ‘feature’ for the Doors Open Campaign which runs in St. Thomas October 17 & 18th. The Horton Farmers’ Market is a part of the tour on the 17th only so we hope to see extra visitors to the market that day!

We do not yet have the final details approved for the season-end Harvest Fest. When that happens, you will be the first to know. As I finish up this writing, the sun is shinning brilliantly - perhaps a sign of tomorrow's weather - I have been called the eternal optimist before!

See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Happy Autumn, Harvest, & September.....

2009-09-25T14:12:00.011-04:00

This is the time of year to savour. The weather, your time with family, and those autumn soups made with fresh veggies from the market. I love this season and it always seems to go faster than the other 3 - already, October is upon us. This leaves just 5 Market days remaining. Five more Horton breakfast sandwichs, 5 more opportunities to shop direct from the farmers, 5 more Saturdays to savour.

With October comes Thanksgiving weekend. Oegemas Turkey Shoppe will be at the market that weekend and will have fresh turkeys - please check with Annie to place your order ahead of time to avoid disappointment. They will only have a limited number of whole turkeys available at the market and of course, plenty available at their home shop in Talbotville.

What's your favourite part of the market? Something to think about as I will be collecting this type of data in the off-season to help us sustain the growth and viability of the market. The process will be easy and pain-free! You can send me an email or chat with me at the market. The official stats will be collected via survey. There is a large majority of you who are silent type - this will be an opportunity to share your thoughts.

Then there is those whom I have heard so much positive feedback from and I am very grateful for that. The information is shared with everyone who is involved in making the market possible. That list is long and includes the Board of Management, City Council, the vendors, community fans who promote the market just because they love it, and you the customer.

We will have one new vendor at the market this weekend - Mother Natures Kitchen will be bringing handmade granola to be eaten alone or in a variety of other meals. And as a side note, there are a few vendors who had originally planned to be finished by now but have enjoyed and benefited from the market so much that they are staying until the end of the season (Oct 31).

A few more vendors are winding down for the season including Mark Wales Produce and DeBackere Farms and a few vendors will be at the market perhaps once more like Susi Q jewelery (this weekend) and the St. Thomas Public Library (next weekend).

And we have music planned for this weekend. Centre Piece Marketing presents Jim Macdonald. A performer at heart; his passion for music and his obsession to entertain have been a driving force behind his dynamic songwriting and live performances. His diverse musical influences provide a backbone to his creativity that captures the listener with intimate and powerful images that are straight from the heart. His strong descriptive lyrics carry with them the integrity of universal experiences and emotions, woven together with a blend of metaphor and realism. Now at the of 31, Jim and wife Sandy are the very proud parents of 3 sons Jonas, Remy and Jude. His children offer new inspiration for his creativity, and desire to pursue his dream. Jim is currently promoting his new CD produced by Don Kerr in Toronto released last year. The original music of Jim MacDonald is a fresh and poignant sound that is paying its dues and will always leave the listener wanting more.

Invite friends and family to meet you at the market, plan to stay awhile and listen to the music, enjoy your breakfast and finish your shopping.

See you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

And the market grows...

2009-09-17T22:03:00.012-04:00

....... continuously, although, not due to any rain we have had lately. This lack of water from the sky has seen a continued delay in some of our fall harvest. The sweet potatoes aren't sweet yet and the watermelon are just bursting now in time for our beautiful late summer. Try RGrow's Watermelon Salsa this weekend - you can get the recipe on our blog.

The ladies from the Senior Centre are back the week, this time with Apple Pies. You can also pick up a pie or apple crisp, or pasturized cider at Gredig's booth. Tammy Gredig works in conjunction with the cluinary class from Arthur Voaden Secondary School to bring the fresh baked apple goods to the market each week.

Welcome to Peter of SWGardens who will be bringing a variety of asiatic lily bulbs and potted hostas for you to take home and plant. The weather has certainly been cooperative for fall garden cleanup. And to add a seasonal touch to your garden, the fall mums are in bloom at Hertiage Greenhouses and Erie Gardens.

Kim McCarvel of Green Leaf Pastry is away this week as she is participating in the London Doors Open program as part of the working artist team at the Eldon House. Watch for her return on Sept 26th with several gluten free products and lunch bag treats for little (and big) kids.

New vendors this week include Canados Mini Doughnuts. Fresh mini doughnuts made right before your eyes. They will be inside the market building. Take home a dozen for only $3.

Nikki from TipToes Body Care Products will be returning indoors for her second week at the market.

Also new to the market, but certainly not to our community, is Big Brothers Big Sisters. September is Big Brothers/Big Sisters awareness month and they double-dare you to be a kid again. My 'little sister' lives in another city but recently reminded me that she is now the age that I was when she and I were matched. There are little and big ways to volunteer for this agency that can make a world of difference.

The Horton Market Harvest Fest will be held at the market this year on November 7th. Tickets will go on sale for this event starting next week. The venue is slightly different this year as we wanted everyone (particularily the vendors and their families) to be able to socialize and enjoy themselves - stay tuned.

Short and sweet (because the potatoes aren't) this week.

See you at the market,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Can you 'can'?

2009-09-10T19:11:00.011-04:00

Last week at the market was a record-day! We had 38 vendors at the market. Wow! Thank you for coming out in droves.

It was one of those days where I couldn't tell what time it was as there wasn't a lull at any point in the day. Our vendors were busy right up til closing time. The beautiful weather combined with a shift in our schedules - back to school, back to work, back to cooler, shorter days- kept everyone close to home.

Our canning display this weekend will give you a starting point - the basics of canning and preserves. We will have a mini display set up inside the building with a quick reference sheet for you to take home. Several of our vendors have their canned goods for sale and sample.

McSmiths Organics are bringing cases of pickled beets and some for sampling too. Kim McCarvell of Green Leaf Pastry will be sampling her 'Sugar Plum Fairy Jam'. She also has a special on her organic Italian Antipasto & handcrafted organic Sundried tomatoe and Herb Focaccia bread. Purchase these together for $7.25 (a savings of $1.25) - you might want to see her first as she has sold out on the bread for the last two weeks before 10am!

If canning isn't for you, there are plenty of preserves at the market for you take home, ready-made!

Gredig's Orchards are returning with two varieties of apples - the cider is not ready yet but possibly next week. And some of you may be planners and thinking about a season coming up that includes sparkling lights and wrapped gifts - Carole Smith is returning with her beautiful handmade miniature christmas trees.

Look for a new vendor - TipToes Body Care, a local business with natural skin care products for Baby & Mama and special products for Seniors. They will be located indoors.

This will be the last week of the season for some vendors. Birdman on the Marsh with his handcrafted birdhouses will be done for the season. Birdhouses make awesome gifts for the hard to buy for person on your list - you can never have too many (in my opinion) and they keep on giving year round.

Have you heard about Doors Open Ontario? This province wide program is sponsored by the Ontario Heritage Trust and has several participating communities opening their doors to heritage sites for a self-guided tour of history and heritage. St. Thomas is new to the venue this year with our dates of October 17 & 18th. The St. Thomas Horton Farmers market is on the venue for Oct. 17th. It will be business-as-usual that day with market hours from 8am to noon but then the building will remain open until 4pm for participating tourists. Please visit the Doors Open booth at the market for more detailed information and other sites in St. Thomas.

One other record high this past weekend - the Horton Breakfast Sandwich Combo! Sandy Lyle and the combo team (his family) were hopping last week, making over 140 sandwiches in 3 short hours. I did my share of keeping them busy by having two! I am up at 5am so for me its one for breakfast and one for lunch!

And the winners are..... last week Sears St.Thomas had a booth at the market handing out the Christmas Wish Book and signing folks up for a free draw. I have drawn the names and made the calls - Christmas every week for me I keep saying. And the customer appreciation draw is always a highlight of my week. Congratulations to all our lucky winners - see me on Saturday to collect your prize!

We have been dicussing a 'Friends of the Market' idea in our meetings. This would be an informal group of volunteers who would like to help out with the market in any capacity. There are always little things that need to be done that can contribute in larger-than-life ways. If this might be of interest to you please see me at the market or email me.

I could keep writing as there is always so much to talk about when it comes to the market. Someone asked me last week how much coffee I had - what? Was I chatting too fast to keep up? This is not a bad thing - the growth and support of the market in the past 3 years has been amazing! I have jokingly mentioned that we might need a support group for the months of Nov-April to keep everyone connected in the off-season - also not such a bad idea!

See you soon,

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Jam-Packed Weekend Starts at the Market...

2009-09-03T14:38:00.035-04:00

It is Labour Day Weekend and for St. Thomas and surrounding community that means MANY activities to chose from. After your trip to the market, why not take in the dowtown sidewalk sale? Many merchants are having fantastic bargains for this one-day only event on Saturday. From there, you can take a free bus shuttle to the Fire Muster Days at Pinafore Park and /or a Mens Fastball Game at the Doug Terry complex.

Although the market is always a fantastic place to bring the kids as they experience first-hand what it means to buy fresh and local, this weekend is especially about and for the kids!

Razzle Dazzle Jam! Do you know what is in this special concoction? Me neither! A great way to involve your kids in your shopping: plant a little seed with your children to find the vendor who produces this jam and bonus points if they kids can find out what the ingredients are. Here's a hint: this vendor is in the South Pavilion and has the initials BHFF. Be sure to find me on Saturday and let me know what you find out!

Kids Kraft Korner & Erie Gardens are back this weekend! You may have noticed Mary Joicus' picture in the Super Shopper this week. The girls are back with a fun craft for the kids to make and take home. The girls have been doing a fantastic job of running the kids kraft korner on a donation basis only to help off-set the cost of supplies. We have missed them the last few weeks as they finished up soccer and vacation and are happy to have them back to the end of the market season (October 31st).

Perhaps your 'kids' are of the four-legged, furry kind? Dogs We Love is a new vendor located inside the building. They produce REAL FOOD for your dogs using only fresh, local, human grade ingredients. Be sure to stop by Ashley's table and take home a order form and a few specialty cookies for the 'kids' waiting at home.
The St. Thomas Public Library will be back as it is the first saturday of the month with books for sale and books to check out with your library card. No worries if you don't have a card - they can sign you up on the spot!

And for the kids of all ages, you will surely love the special 'treat' Farmgate Mark ets has in store for you; or actually, on the street for you.

Last week, I mentioned the literature about My Pick vendors, which is displayed in the back lobby of the building. The Horton Farmers Market currently has 3 vendors on-site that are verified or in the verification process. Please visit Empire Valley, RGrow Farms, or McSmiths Organics to find out more information about this new process from Farmers' Markets Ontario.

This will be the last week for Belmont Village Pantry and their variety of gluten free products. Christine Noble has been successfully balancing two businesses and has sold the Village Pantry. Look for her to be returning to the market in a few weeks with products from her other business, Guided Balance Hypnotherapy.

I love this time of year. The signs of fall are showing up in the returning vendors to the market. Watch for Gredigs Apple Orhcard to be returning shortly with the first of the apple harvest and fresh, pasturized cider. And Christmas trees by Carole Smith - permanent, already decorated, minature displays - Carole will also be returning to the market as a seasonal vendor.

We are making plans to celebrate the market season with our now annual Fall Family Harvest Dinner for November 7th, 2009. Stay tuned for details such as menu, location, and ticket sales.

Enjoy the settling back into routine. Enjoy the beauty of what Mother Nature has to offer. Look forward to seeing you at the market.

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Is Summer really over?....

2009-08-27T22:17:00.019-04:00

The forecast for this weekend is rain, so I have heard, as I do not follow the weather reports. There, I have said it for the record - I choose to let the day surprise me. If I really want to know what it is going to be like that day, I just look outside OR if need be, I actually step outside and test the air.

Rain has not affected the crowds or the spirit at the market. It has delayed the crops by a few weeks, and gave us a storm to contend with at FreshFest last Thursday evening but regardless, the market is well attended, rain or shine. Thank You all for that!

Currently in-season produce includes beets, peppers, sweet corn, melons, peaches, pickling cucs, eggplant, and tomatoes. The first few apples are starting to show up (Paula Reds) and a few things are winding down - mostly the blueberries and raspberries. Learning to blanche is one of the easiest methods of extending the bounty of summer/fall harvest into winter. One year I decided to double up on almost everything I purchased from the farmers market and froze half of what i bought to extend into the winter. We enjoyed stuffed peppers (freeze as halves on a tray and store in ziploc bags; stuff frozen and bake- yummy!), fresh sweet corn, brocoli, green beans, and blueberries(also freeze on a tray, no blanching, and store in ziploc bags) through the entire winter season. I also made freezer tomatoe sauce, and froze leeks, onions, and 1 cup serving sizes of kidney beans and black eyed peas to make a quick crock pot of warming chili. These are just a few of my quick, easy methods of continuing to support local through the winter and make meals work for busy families. We are having a canning and preserves demonstration at the market on Saturday, September 12 - come with your questions and see how easy it is to preserve. I just finished off a jar of pickled green beans that was from my first attempt at preserving which we did with beans and dill from the market - they were delicious!

We are having some local talent performing this weekend so bring your chairs and prepare to stay a while. Centrepiece Marketing will be presenting the talented Siobhan O'Neal.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Siobhan O’Neal stepped onto the local music scene an ex-band geek with a book full of songs and an electric keyboard. Finding her passion in a performing arts school and her church youth band, she began writing songs at the age of 12 and performed her original work for the first time at her high school talent show. Her musical style has grown and developed over the years, incorporating her childhood influences of classic rock and classical training to a range of folk and indie traits. Her songwriting is deeply introspective, exploring thoughts on disappointment, truth, hope and love.

Please visit Centre Piece Marketing to keep up to date with what's happening on the local music scene.

Have you heard about My Pick? There is information inside the market building about this new program from Farmers' Markets Ontario. My Pick vendors are verified local farmers audited by a representative of Farmers Markets Ontario. The My Pick logo is a way to ensure that the farmer is local, is the grower of what they are selling and that it is produced on their farm. Please note, if a farmer is not 'My Pick' verified, it does not mean that they don't qualify but rather that they have not done the verification process. Please continue to talk to the vendors about their produce, if they are the growers of all that they bring to the market, and where they source their additional produce if they do bring other produce.

This is the last Saturday in August but far from the last Saturday of the season (Market Season Ends October 31st ). Just like I don't follow the weather, I try not to get in on the famous saying of "Where has the time gone?" But sometimes, like this month of August, I just can not believe how the month has disappeared! My how time flies when you're having a social gathering every week! There are groups (ie. Doors Open & ACO of Ontario, Summer Blast, and IPM2010) at the market promoting other community events happening into September, October and later. Be sure to stop by their booths for tickets and details!

Look forward to seeing you soon,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Peach Pies at the Market...

2009-08-21T12:27:00.011-04:00

Have you ever had peach pie? I haven't. For those of you who have not (including myself) and for those of you who love peach pie - this saturday at the market is your day! The folks from the St.Thomas Seniors Centre will be back with peach pies. Although they bring plenty (50 or more pies), they always sell out before end of market day. You know what that means.... early birds get the pie!

I attended Fresh Fest last night at the CASO station here in St. Thomas where I had an information booth set up for the market. There were more than 300 people in attendance and I saw many of you there. We also added new members to our e-letter mailing list. If you are aware of anyone who is interested in joining this group, please pass along a copy of this letter and have them visit the blog for details of the 2009 Market season. This is one of the major resources that ties our market community together.

The market seems to have taken on a life of its own. The energy is positive, the tables are overflowing, and the community spirit is palpable. People look forward to coming to the market, rain or shine. There's withdrawal symptoms for everyone when one of our regular customers can't make it for a week or two. We wonder if they are okay; if they are away on holidays; if something came up that interupted the regular routine? Sometimes, I miss seeing or chatting with a few people due to some mission that I am on during market hours. They reassure me the next day that they saw me but that I was busy - Thank you for that!

As we do have new members joining this group weekly, following is a brief summary of the market vendors by location. (note: some vendors do move each week as some booths are pre-allocated to season vendors who start at different times during the market season)

Indoor Vendors include:

Farmgate Markets Inc.

Oegema's Turkey Shoppe

Frisa Farms Eggs

Coffee Cultures

Aunt Cin's Baked Goods

Susi Q Jewelry

Devrati Jewelry

Jaydancin

St. Thomas Public Library (first Saturday of Every Month)

Doors Open & Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (Elgin Branch)

South Pavilion Includes:

McSmith's Organics

Janis Smiths Flowers

Berry Hill Fruit Farms

Beaverbrook Culinary Herbs

Palmers Maple Syrup

Paul's Woodworking

DeBackere Farms

Janssens Farms

Erie Gardens / Kids Kraft Korner

Green Leaf Pastry / Green Fusion Arts

Ethel Mitrovic Potery

Boonie Doone Beachglass Artistry

Village Pantry Restaurant

Lindsay Farms Mushrooms

En Fleur Lavender in Bloom

North Pavilion Includes:

Kosciks Greenhouses

Ann Grace Designs

Bluegroves Fruit Farm

Gibson's Honey

John Martin Produce

Empire Valley Farm

RGrow Farms

The Bonsai Guy

Birdman on the Marsh

Lotus Thai

Moments Jewelry

Mark Wales Farms

And, we often have community fund raiser groups such as the Panthers Girls Hockey, the Fingal United Church, and several others. There is also room for the one or two time vendor who wants to come and try promoting their product at the market. The vendor mix is always a little different, with something for everyone.

With the busiest part of our season under way we have noticed the parking lot shuffle. I have heard several gentle reminders that when parking in the lot, please all park in the same direction and please allow room for your neighbour to manouver in and out. Parking lot painting is on our list of improvements for next season- this is a good sign of the growth of the market!

Remember to sign up for the customer appreciation draw, bring a friend to the market, and enjoy these last few days of August.

See you tomorrow!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Fresh Fest this Thursday....

2009-08-18T21:46:00.007-04:00

FreshFest is fast approaching.... what are you doing for dinner this Thursday August 20th? Why not come down to the CASO train station (behind Giant Tiger on Talbot Street) for this local event? Nine local chefs (from the likes of Windjammer, M.E. & Suzies, Garlic's, and Lakeview Gardens) using our local produce (MANY of whom are vendors at the Horton Farmers Market), providing delicious samples for you to experience.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Over 200 tickets have been sold so it promises to be a great social event with a silent auction later to support the CASO station.

The Horton Farmers Market will have a booth there also to support and promote our vendors and to enjoy the market atmosphere of this event. Visit FreshFest site for last minute details.

Hope to see you there,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Muskmelon or Cantalope?

2009-08-14T13:41:00.011-04:00

One thing I have truly loved since I was a child is Muskmelon. My mom used to buy it for us all the time and I always thought the term Muskmelon was a 'slang' name - like a nickname for Cantalope. (although I am not sure how those two names come even close to each other?) I also thought that my mother must be wrong because she was the only one I had ever heard call this melon a muskmelon.

Monika Rastapkevicius from R-Grow Farms of West Lorne has FINALLY set the record straight. (Sorry Mom - you were right all along!) Following is some information about the orange melon that you might also find useful. Visit Monika and her kids Anita and Joe this weekend at the RGrow stall in the North pavilion, for free samples of Muskmelon.

Most often what people refer to as a cantaloupe is actually a muskmelon. True cantaloupes are not netted , have deep grooves, a hard warty rind and orange or green flesh. These true cantaloupes are grown only in Europe. The muskmelons that most of us call cantaloupes have a distinct netted or webbed rind. Muskmelons have been masquerading as cantaloupes in our stores for many years. Did you know the muskmelon is so named because of the odor of the ripe fruit? Musk is a persian word for a kind of perfume and melon is french.It's interesting to watch people decide whether or not a muskmelons is ripe......they smell it, they squeeze it, they push on the end of it, they shake it next to their ear.....but actually they rarely look at the stem end of it. I try to explain to as many people as I can, what they need to look for. I ask them to look at the "belly button" of the melon. This is the point of attachment between the fruit and the vine it has come from. If the melon was picked ripe the vine lets go of the fruit easily. This is called being picked at " full slip." When a melon is picked at "full slip" and the cirlce of the "belly button" is complete. If the cirlce is incomplete or some of the stem from the vine remains attached the melon was forced of the vine before it was truly ripe. This info always generates the reaction " hey , I learned something new today". I think as vendors we need to teach our consumers the things they need to look for.

A few other melon facts.....

1. Always store a ripe melon in the fridge to maintain internal fruit quality

2. Melons can be frozen...great with other friut to make smoothies ( strawberries and melon are my personal favourite) just chop them up and put into a freezer bag or container

3. Melons are one of the top 10 antioxident foods. The bright orange colour of the muskmelon is a dead giveaway that they are loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Muskmelons are alos high in vitamin C and a food source of potassium and folate.

Now that summer is in full swing, enjoy a healthy, flavourful and satisfying snack. Think melons.

Thanks Monika for the extremely useful information - I learned a few new things today!

This weekend at the market promises to be a warm one! We will have fans a blowing in the main building. Visit the FRESHFEST booth in the main building as this is their last weekend at the market. Purchase your tickets for this funfilled event happening August 20th at the CASO station. The Horton Farmers Market will have a booth at this event and some of the farmers from the market are also participating. Tickets are $25 each in advance or $30 at the door. For more info visit their site.

We have a few more 'sample' days planned and will be posting information on the boards inside the building at the back. Your input and ideas are always welcome! I have received so much feedback and have been able to see positive change at the market directly from your input. Many Thanks to you all who are reading and attending the market.

See you soon,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Thank You Community!

2009-08-06T20:58:00.016-04:00

The Market's 131st Birthday Celebration was a great event! We had cake, we had presents (I have contacted all the prize winners to pick up their presents at the market this weekend), and we had singing! We had a record day all around for customers, vendors and vendor revenue! I would also add that Mother Nature played her part and gave us a beautiful day - everyone's spirits were joyful. It was a memorable day and was so because of all the help that went in to preparing and coordinating to help the day run smoothly. Many Thanks to all the folks who contributed prizes for the singing contest, for the Board and Committee members who planned behind the scenes, to the Senior Centre for the delicious birthday cake, to Centrepiece Marketing and Sam Hurrie for providing ambience with a little blues singing, and to all the city officials who participated in the ceremonies. Special Thanks to our MC for the day, Alderman Baldwin-Sands, who encouraged many a closet-singer to perform "Good Things Grow in Ontario".

This week at the market, come to sample a delicious blueberry sauce -recipe compliments of Marianne Hatch of Bluegroves Fruit Farms of West Lorne. Marianne was so excitied to have me try this recipe that she brought a batch for me to sample. I LOVE it! I have mentioned before that blueberries top the list of favourites at my house and this new recipe is right up there at number one. I am finding many new things to try it on, but vanilla icecream is tops so far. Since we expect a little heat this weekend, vanilla waffers will be the sample partner of choice. Find the sampling set up at Bluegroves' table.

Ray & Sandy from Farmgate Markets will have fresh, local (from Shedden, ON) roaster chickens available. These chickens are hormone & antibiotic free and retail for $4.39 a pound. Great for crock pot cooking!

Look for some new crop at McSmiths Organics as they will have peppers, a variety of eggplant, salad & cherry tomatoes and fingerlings. Janis & Mark's flowers are a big seller every Saturday. They have been filling their coldroom all week to prepare for market day and still they sell-out. See them first for snapdragons, sunflowers, and glads (& much more!).

And Frisa Farm eggs will be ready this week for a larger crowd. They sold out early last week. Look for their 'new hen' eggs.

We have a well rounded mix of vendors including produce vendors, fresh meat & turkey, woodworking, jewelry, and body care products vendors (look for photos posted in various spots in the main building). As we are a producer-based farmers market we require our vendors to also be the producer (grower or manufacturer) of their product. From time to time, vendors may need to supplement their produce with produce from another farm. We do have regulations in effect that require this supplemented produce to be no more than 25% of that vendors entire product, that it come from a neighbouring or family farm within the 60km radius guideline, and that the produce be clearly labelled at the market so that the consumer can make an informed decision. If this is a concern of yours, please check the vendor labels and talk to the vendors to learn more about what they grow and if and where they source their supplemental produce. You can also direct any questions to me as I am always interested in feedback and using it to grow the market.

I may have said this before (you can check through previous posts on the blog), and most of us would agree that there is a cyclical nature to all things. I seem to recall a graph in economics class that showed the cyclical nature of business. It ebbs and it flows. The 'business' of the market defintely follows the cycle of Mother Nature. Enjoy the peak wave of nature's bounty through August into September and October. The market season runs until October 31st so be sure to plan your meal times in harmony with nature's harvest. This is a key factor in creating a more sustainable cycle with nature: not only for our local economy but also for our own personal health.

Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Happy Birthday Horton Farmers' Market!

2009-07-30T21:01:00.014-04:00

This weekend marks the official 'half-way' point of the market season and we are celebrating in true 'farmers' market' style! Here are a few things we have lined up for the Market's 131st Birthday Celebration on August 1st :

Centre Piece Marketing Presents - Sam Hurrie

You may have read about Sam Hurrie Entertaining Elgin in the special edition of Relish Elgin's Arts in Elgin or heard him play around Elgin County. Sam will be performing his own style of Blues at the market from 10 - 12noon.

Birthday cake will be served by various guests of St.Thomas and Elgin starting at 10:30am. And we have lots of presents - to give away! But here's the catch - you will have to perform a little jingle to receive a ballot to enter the draw for the presents. The jingle goes : "Good Things Groooow In Ontario" The singing event will be throughout the morning and you can be sure that you will hear that jingle from yours truly a time or two. I will also be convincing a few other guests to join in - perhaps some of the vendors as well!

Amanda Nethercott, the fantastic face painter, will be back and set up beside the Kids Kraft Korner in the south pavilion. Reminder - face painting is for all the kids, including the young at heart. We will have free glow sticks for the kids to take home.

As it is the first Saturday of the month, the St.Thomas Public Library will be back with loads of books for you to peruse and check out on the spot. They will also have used books for sale and a sampling of some of the activities going on at the library.

Blueberry pies are the specialty this week of the folks from the St.Thomas Seniors Centre. They have sold out every time they have been to market this season so you know what that means!

We have a new vendor this week - Bird Man on the Marsh. He will be selling his handcrafted bird houses for various types of birds.

Candle making is the display of Jaydancin's. They are back from vacation and making a variety of enviro-friendly candles to show you how it is done.

And the bean marinade was a big hit last week! As it turns out, Cathy, who made that yummy concoction (from McSmith's Organics) uses a little bit of this and a little of that. The base was balsamic vinegar. I mentioned I would post the recipe on the blog - there is a similar one posted for you to experiment with. The key ingredients that most people commented on were the fresh, crisp beans from the market and chickpeas! Enjoy!

Janis Smith has sold out of her fresh cut flowers every time! She is bringing as many as nature will allow and she has also helped out Mom, Cathy of McSmiths by preparing ready to go coleslaw bags. She has been chopping organic cabbage and carrots - all you need to do is add the dressing.

Congratulations to Mike & Joyce Hlatki who won the customer appreciation draw for this week. Be sure to look for the green and white Foodland Ontario balloons and sign up for your chance to win. I contact the winner during the week to pick up their prize for the following Saturday at the market.

And about the honey..... the bees have suffered a loss this year on a large scale. The folks from Gibson's Honey have signed up for the market but have limited resources as they have lost a large percentage of their bees and will need time (a full season) to re-build their crop. Thanks for your patience with this as we continue to look for honey resources.

The Horton Breakfast Sandwich Combo continues to be a big seller. A dollar from the sale of each sandwich goes directly back to the market. These procedes help with things like the musicians, the sampling sessions, and increasing customer awareness of what the market has to offer. To sum it all up - we continue to evolve in community, in resources, in vendors and in sustainability. It's all good!

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Beans, beans, and more....

2009-07-23T21:32:00.010-04:00

Beans are in-season! Green, yellow, string, wax, and even purple beans. We've heard them called by many different names and they also can be prepared many different ways. Fresh out of the garden, in a marinade, or dipped in a special sauce - you will get to sample these at the market this weekend! Cathy, from McSmith Organics is bringing a sampling of her specialty bean marinade. Hertiage Line Herbs will have some dips for you to sample using their dried herb seasonings, and there are plenty of beans (and other produce), fresh from the garden. For recipe ideas, there are several that are quick, easy, and full of flavour - just add beans from the market!

The Horton Farmers Market has been around for 131 years - almost as old as Canada. We are celebrating the market's birthday on August 1st with festivities for all. Do you know the "Good Things Grow in Ontario" jingle? That's it. Good things grow in Ontario. We are having a little singing contest - no practice or skill required, just plain courage to step up to the mic and sing. Special guests from the local community are expected that day - who knows, there may be a singer or two in the mix. Plan to stay for a while, have breakfast, a coffee, and a little cake for dessert.

We are a member of Farmers' Markets Ontario which gives us guidelines to follow in keeping the market a producer-based market. The farmers grow and sell their own produce. The artisans create their own craft. Some things you find at the market are not 'locally grown'. Coffee is a good example. Coffee will not be locally produced as long as we live in Ontario. So we work within the guidelines to bring one of our dietary staples to the market. (there are time when I have jokingly suggested adding coffee as a food group). If there are products you would like to see at the market, let me know. I am constantly working on bringing the full mix to the market, always keeping in mind, the locally produced guidelines.

Expect a full venue at the market this weekend. We currently have 35 vendors that participate in our 4 hour market day. Holidays and Mother Nature keep some away some of the time, but we are in prime market season. I heard an advertisement on the radio to visit your local farmers market, supported by the Government of Ontario. Visiting the market helps sustain our economy in tough times, but it does much more than that. It breathes life back into our community and reminds us that good things really do grow right here in our own backyard.

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Blueberries at the Market!

2009-07-17T10:35:00.013-04:00

I love Blueberries! They are like candy in my house as we freeze them and use them in every dish possible including my kids personal favourite, breakfast smoothies. (You can sneak alot of 'healthy' things into a smoothie!). Did you know that Canada ranks second in the world for blueberry growers? Starting this week, Blue Groves Fruit Farms from West Lorne will be at the market with buckets of blueberries. (and great recipe ideas!)

Unless you tune your mother nature clock to the seasons or happen to be a grower yourself, it is difficult to stay up-to-date on what produce is in-season. McSmith's Organics have a handy chart on the back of one of their brochures for quick reference. You can pick up a brochure at McSmith's table or inside the market building at the information stand in the back foyer. McSmith's will have bunches of broccoli, green & yellow zukes, red & golden beets, black rasperries and a variety of lettuces. Add fresh cut flowers to your table setting from Janis Smith Flowers where you can pick up the first of this season's glads.

Next week (July 25th) there will be samples of bean marinades (McSmith's) and herb dips (from Heritage Line Herbs) to give you an idea or two on how to expand your horizons with beans. We will have a sample table set up in the outdoor cafe where you can also sign up for the customer appreciation draw.

On August 1st we are celebrating the Market's 131st Birthday. Get your singing voices ready as we want to hear you give us your version of 'Good Things Grow In Ontario'. There will be music, birthday cake and face painting as well as visits from the local dignitaries.

And this week, West Lorne is celebrating their annual Cowboys & Cactus event. Erie Gardens and Empire Valley Farms will be partipating in this event so you will not see them at the market until next week.

We have new vendors coming almost every week this month - be sure to stop be the new jewlery/artisan vendors Ann Grace Creations and Devarati Jewlery. And for produce, DeBackere Farms, John Martin Produce, and BlueGroves Fruit Farms.

I have heard many people say that they shop first at the market and can get most of what they need there. This reduces the number of trips to the big box stores, reduces our ecological footprint, and increases our ability to sustain our local economy. Continue to pass on the word about the Horton Farmers Market by forwarding this update and by bringing someone new to the market. Invite them for a Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo and a Sin-o-Bun for a special treat after. One of the most effective ways to advertise is still the tried-and-true method of Word of Mouth.

See you soon at the market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Horton Market Happenings....

2009-07-09T21:52:00.014-04:00

I picked this title for this week's post because you will see the same title in our community paper: The Super Shopper. We have started a 'Faces at Horton Market' advertisement there where you might recognize a few of our vendors. I am drawn again and again to the theme of community and how the market is a perfect venue for participating and solidifying our community. No matter the weather, what is 'in-season', or what you already bought for groceries this week, you can connect at the market.

As we head into mid-July, our produce vendors are increasing. This week, expect to see a few more new vendors including DeBackere Farms, John Martin Produce, and the ladies from Fingal United Church selling fresh-baked pies! Inside, be sure to stop by the Fresh Fest booth to pick up your tickets for this 'Local Taste Experience' happening on Thursday August 20th @ the CASO station. You will also get an opportunity to meet some of the artists featured in Relish Elgin's 'Arts in Elgin Special Edition' launch. This weekend is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Last week the public library came to the market with books for all ages and a summer reading program for children called Agent 009. The library will be at the market the first Saturday of every month for the remainder of the market season. You can sign up for a card and check your books out on the spot - even read a page or two at one of our cafes.

And the Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo is amazing! Last week, Sandy from Farmgate added a sausage option - this week they are sweetening the deal with CHEESE! With a portion of the proceeds going directly back to the market, everyone benefits, twice over. If you sampled the chocolate covered strawberries last week, they were conceived from the funds from the breakfast sandwich - how cool is that? (and we purchased the berries from Berry Hill Fruit Farms-me and Dick Saarloos from Berry Hill to the right here - so you see the layers of community we touch?)

The customer appreciation draw is always a highlight of my Saturday at the market. I love giving gifts and it is always rewarding to see the happy winner truly amazed at the bounty of what the vendors contribute to this prize every week. Be sure to sign up - find the green & white Foodland Ontario balloons. I like to move this around so that everyone gets an opportunity to meet the vendors close by - we do tend to be creatures of habit and might miss a few things.

So, back to the community theme. Be sure to say 'Hi' to one new vendor this week at the market, even if you don't purchase from them. Every one appreciates the warmth and camaraderie (which, according to Webster is defined as 'a spirit of friendly good-fellowship').

I look forward to seeing you at the Market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

P.S. - look for an editorial by yours truly in the Super Shopper. I ponder a bit more about community, food, and connectedness.

Celebrate at the Market!

2009-07-02T20:50:00.015-04:00

Happy Birthday Canada!!!

How did you celebrate Canada's birthday? There are many traditional ways - fireworks, BBQ's, and gathering with family and friends. And, my personal favourite- giving thanks for this amazing country that we live in and the many privileges that come with that. This Saturday at the market is another opportunity to celebrate. We will have face-painting (not just for the kids you know), crazy canuck sales (see Erie Gardens), AND chocolate covered strawberries (for FREE!).

Strawberry season is winding down - Thanks to Berry Hill Fruit Farms for the strawberries that you will get to sample on Saturday. Just today, I purchased a few pounds of dark chocolate from Scoops in downtown St. Thomas for the dipping. We will set up all festivities in the outdoor cafe - be sure to sign up for the customer appreciation draw when you are there.

Gluten-free products at the market! More vendors are receiving requests for gluten-free products. You already know about Farmgate and the gluten-free meat they sell, but did you know that Village Pantry Restaurant will now be selling all gluten-free products and only at the Horton Farmers Market? Christine from Village Pantry is very picky about the ingredients that go into all of her products, and you can taste it in every bite! And Kim from Green Leaf Pastry will have 2 different gluten-free baked goods every week at the market. Her chocolate brownies are my personal favourite!

I am so excited about all the upcoming events and produce at the market! There are times when I do not get a chance to tell you about it here in the blog, as some vendors don't know until Saturday morning what's coming to the market that day - tis the nature of Mother Nature. A little uncertainty is a good thing.

Look forward to seeing you at the Market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager,
Dreamer,
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Coniseur

P.S. - I had TWO Horton Breakfast Sandwichs last week - I figured my morning starts VERY early (5am) so it's more like breakfast and lunch for me. I have always been a big fan of breakfast sandwichs at any time of the day! :-)

Community at the Market....

2009-06-25T16:51:00.018-04:00

What a wonderfully busy, community day last Saturday was. It was Father's Day weekend with several events happening around Elgin including the Wings & Wheels Air Show, the Strawberry Socials at the CASO train station and in Sparta. And we had record numbers at the market! Rain did not deter the market crowd and we had vendors selling out of their product before 10am.

The launch of the Horton Breakfast Sandwich combo last weekend was a huge success! Peameal bacon from Farmgate Markets, farm fresh eggs from Frisa Farms, on an english muffin, with coffee from Coffee Culture (or juice or water if you prefer). A portion of proceeds from each sandwich goes directly back to the Horton Market. See the folks at Farmgate Markets for your Horton Breakfast sandwich and have breakfast at one of our indoor or outdoor cafes.

One of the things that help create a true, community oriented farmers' market is the vendors. Each week I will feature one or two of our vendors so you get an opportunity to meet them and hear their stories - which you may not be able to do during market hours.

Farmgate Markets Inc.

Sandy Lyle and Ray Coddington are the business partners behind Farmgate Markets. Sandy is a full-time farmer who previously had a retail store for frozen meats at his family farm on Fingal Line. They did well with the retail portion, running that from the farm from 1992 to 1997, at which point they started to outgrow their space. He and his farm partner decided to focus on the farming business and they closed the retail portion - or rather, put that business plan on the shelf. Fast forward to 2004 where Sandy and a hockey buddy started talking again about the retail meat business and Farmgate Markets Inc was born.

Now, they needed a really good butcher and placed an ad in the papers. As Sandy says: "Ray was our first hire and we got really lucky with him." Ray's credentials as a licensed Canadian Butcher are top notch. He graduated in the top 3 butchers in all Ontario, apprenticed for 6 years, and trained with 3 master butchers from Germany (hence the REALLY good sausage recipes he makes in-shop). His personal recipes are a testament of his training and his passion. Some recipes have come to him on first try, some have been perfected over years of trial and tribulation. At the time of Farmgate's inception, Ray was working in the wholesale meat industry but missed the customer interaction he had gotten from 15 prior years working in butcher shops and markets. He was living in St. Thomas, saw the ad, and answered the call - synchronicity at it's best!

Ray worked for Sandy and his business partner for about a year, at which time, the structure of Farmgate changed to offer Ray the opportunity to join Sandy as full partner in the business. These guys are passionate about fresh meat - drug free, hormone free, 100% corn fed, no phosphates, no bi-products, and all Ontario raised. They make all of their deli meats and sausage in-shop so you know (and can watch) how it's made. There is an increased demand for this type of production in the meat industry as people's allergies and food sensitivities are on the rise. Their product is ideal for a gluten-free diet.

They have truly built their business from scratch. And their passion and committment to their customers is evident. They have seen both their regular customers at the Horton Farmers Market and some new folks who had not yet heard of Farmgate Markets. (the majority of their advertising is word-of-mouth and it is still spreading fast!) You can also visit them at their shop at 310 Wellington St (south-west corner of Wellington and First Ave) for a full selection of meats, deli cuts, sausages and now carrying some local seasonal veggies to help round out that BBQ meal.

We are happy to have them with us every week as a full-season vendor in the newly renovated market building. Both Ray and Sandy have contributed many hours to the market not only with their on-site shop, but also with their expertise and business advice. Kudos of gratitude!

On a closing note......

As we swing into summer riding this heat wave - expect the market tables to be bursting with produce. Come celebrate Canada's Birthday with us on July 4th - strawberries, kids coralle, and sampling for everyone. Also, the St. Thomas Public Library will be at the market the first Saturday of each month with a selection of books related to the market and community. Bring your library card as you can check these books out on-site!

The connectedness and community spirit is alive and flourishing at the market - a cornerstone of our memories and what keeps us grounded during these turbulent times. These are the times when we take a step back and realize what we are grateful for. I am grateful to be a part of this community. Thank you, as always, for all of your feedback and suggestions. I am glad we connected.

See you at the Market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

(p.s. A SPECIAL thank you to my aunt - Patti Kilmer - one of the resident photographers - MANY great pics to share with you over the next few posts)

NEW - Horton Breakfast Sandwich Combo

2009-06-17T20:14:00.020-04:00

What happens when like-minded business' get together and start talking?

Introducing the new HORTON BREAKFAST SANDWICH combo! The folks from Farmgate Markets, Frisa Farms, and Coffee Cultures have cooked up a new, fresh idea to serve breakfast at the market. Farmgate's will be making breakfast sandwiches using their bacon, eggs from Frisa Farms, and coffee from Coffee Cultures to make this combo - all for $5. Or, if you prefer, you can have it with juice instead. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this combo goes back to the Market for promotional funds!
(pssst - Farmgate Markets will be our vendor feature next week)
This weekend is Father's Day - why not barbeque for Dad for a change? Or bring your Dad to the market for breakfast and a coffee?

Strawberry season is here! Berry Hill Fruit Farms is back with their selection of quarts or flats of berries.

McSmiths Organics will have organic strawberries along with loads of lettuce, spinach and bunched beets.

And the Senior Centre folks are back this week with Strawberry Pies! These always sell -out quick so come early!

Green Leaf Pastry is back this week and for the remainder of the market season. Kim, along with her four adorable kids, brings organic specialty baked goods, lemonade, and products from her art studio, Green Fusion.

Be sure to check the NEW "Horton Market Happenings" board in the back lobby of the market building. It lists all upcoming events, contests, and special guests for the market season. We will be asking you - the consumer - to participate in these events by sharing your ideas, your recipes, and your best practices for all kinds of activies from canning & preserving to growing a really big pumpkin.

Look for the customer appreciation draw at a different location throughout the market each Saturday. Follow the 'Foodland Ontario' green and white balloons. This past weeks winner was Lily Lang - Congratulations!

As a friendly reminder, there are no Pets allowed in the market building (signs now posted at entrances). Please continue to send your feedback and comments or track me down at the market - I welcome them all!

See you at the market!

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Summary of Market Season so far....

2009-06-10T19:36:00.020-04:00

Sorry All - Resending the correct version - I am learning quickly about admin of this valuable tool.

For June 13th at the market….

STRAWBERRIES are HERE!!!! See Berry Hill Fruit Farms for the first pick of the crop!

I remember studying the term Work-In-Progress (WIP) during my university years and thinking then that it was odd to have an actual term for something not quite finished. The more I apply the WIP theory, the more I question: Is anything ever really finished? This year at the Horton Farmers Market is most accurately defined as a WIP year. With the re-opening of the building after many years of inactivity and the shift in our value system to a more locally defined community, we see the work progress forward to a constantly shifting end-product. As we continue to re-define the terms: local, sustainable, producer-based, and healthy eating, so to do the boundaries shift of our local farmers market. So to is this blog a WIP. You may notice changes as we go along - just me getting used to communicating via this method. So after a month of operation this season, here is a brief summary of one of our most valuable inputs -the vendors. After this post, I will start to profile the vendors individually so you can get to know them and their stories. I will continue to announce new vendors, market specials, and upcoming events.

See you at the Market,

Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

Our Indoor Vendors

Farmgate Markets Inc. - this week's special is Old Fashion Summer Sausage! They will not have the gluten free organic breads this week at the market but you can still pick that up at their shop.
Frisa Farms Eggs - pick your own eggs! Bring your own cartons as they are not able to supply recycled cartons. I have a few cartons in the lobby if you would like to recycle those.
Oegema’s Turkey Shoppe - turkey is a great BBQ treat and so good for your diet. Their variety of turkey items is unbeatable - something for every type of cook from BBQ to gourmet!
Coffee Cultures- aside from coffee they sell meal-size muffins, tarts, cookies, and scones. Enjoy your coffee and treat at our indoor cafe.
Jaydancin- Vickie will be making STRAWBERRY and GARDENERS soap this weekend.
Three.Two.Three - a new business venture by two ladies, Jane and Kate. They make herbal teas, lavendar packs, and chakra pillows, using all recycled and organic materials.
Donna Susi Jewellery- beautiful austrian crystal jewelry and other bead work.
Distinctively Tea - bringing a wide selection of loose teas for you to sample and purchase.

Our Outdoor Vendors

Janis McGregor Smith is getting married this weekend so Cathy and Gary from McSmiths Organics will not be at the market. And, newlyweds, Janis & Mark will be back at the market with fresh cut flowers - all AFTER THE WEDDING

Shitake Mushrooms - Carl and Judy Lindsay brought mushrooms to to the market last week and sold out by 10am - they had to rush in another load so they will be ready this week with a full supply.

Hertiage Line Herbs -have a variety of potted herbs to create your own herb garden at home plus dried seasonings for all your cooking requirements.

Berry Hill Fruit Farms - STRAWBERRIES!!!!! The season starts this saturday for Alice of Berry Hill Fruit Farms - I know she is going to be busy!

Erie Gardens - Mary Joicus brings potted plants, flowers, basket arrangements, and loads of gardening expertise each week.

Kids Kraft Korner - The girls think up a creative new craft each week for kids to do, requesting only a small donation to help cover costs.

Janssens Farms - one of our seasoned vendors bringing a variety of fresh veggies, fruit, and apple cider.

Spring Spear-it - Asparagus season is winding down - great your fresh asparagus while it lasts.
Kosciks Greenhouse- Tomatoes that are ground-grown in the greenhouse AND pesticide free! Stan and Rob will be in the North Pavilion.

Leslie Smale - she has several variety of Dalia Tubers - $1 each!!!! This will be her last week so be sure to see her in the North Pavilion and check out her photos of how the daliahs will look in full bloom.

Empire Valley Farms - brings potted plants and herbs

Shasta Dolphin - handcrafted kids hair accessories, knitted hats and kids clothing.

Village Pantry of Belmont - Dilly Dally Bean Dip, Banana Chocolate Chip cookies, and gluten free almond cookies all homemade with only the finest ingredients.

Bonnie Doon Beach Glass Artistry - handcrafted glass jewelry and houseware items

Ethel Mitrovic Pottery - dragonflies & whimsy in her work. Her pottery is both decorative and practical.

Lotus Thai - fresh spring rolls, sticky rice and pad thai!

Sin-O-Buns - baked before your eyes!

Palmers Maple Syrup - maple syrup and different treats to hit that sweet tooth!

Gibsons Honey - bringing honey and beeswax candles.

June brings sunshine,

2009-06-04T17:31:00.028-04:00

... shorts, and farm fresh summer produce.

Kosciks tomatoes were a big hit this past Saturday. They will be located in the North pavilion this Saturday along with Empire Farms, Lotus Thai and Sin-o-buns. As the produce grows, so to do the number of vendors at the market. Some of our vendors are full-time vendors, some only come during their product-specific growing season, and some come on an occasional basis. So we get a mix of what’s growing and what creative people are selling. Be sure to visit all three buildings of the market to see what’s happening and who’s selling where.

The interior vendors are a bit of a different story. With the coolers designated to specific spots, those vendors are anchored there. Farmgate Markets, Frisa Farm Eggs, and Oegama’s Turkey Shoppe are there every Saturday with a variety of BBQ needs. Did you try the gluten-free breads yet from Farmgate? Look for Coffee Culture in a new location down a little closer to the indoor café. We can better service your sit-down coffee needs by being a little closer to the café.

Jaydancin soap-making demo’s are a big hit! They show you how easy it is to make your own all-natural soap and adjust the ingredients to suit your needs and preferences. Depending on what kind she is making, you can smell spearmint, sweet orange, or lemon basil drifting in the air.

The herbal products from Three.Two.Three are fun and functional! The Snuggy poos were adorable and very friendly on the environment. All made from recycled materials.

And the family from McSmiths O rganics are preparing for a wedding – their daughter Janis (who is also a market vendor for flowers but not till after the wedding) is marrying Mark. So they are using the spinach at the wedding, which is at their farm by the way. They will have loads of lettuce, green onions, and beet greens as they were a big seller. Next Saturday, June 13 is the wedding so McSmiths will not be at the market but look for them returning on June 20^th.

Our customer appreciation draw winner was Tammy Shaw. This is one of my most enjoyed activities of being the market manager – I get to give the presents every Saturday morning. Be sure to sign up – I leave the basket at the indoor café.

My role of market manager is diverse.

The St. Thomas Horton Farmers Market is governed by a board of management that reports to City Council. Once per month we all get together to discuss the on-going improvement of the market and what it offers to our community. The are several people who volunteer their time and effort and nameless support to see the market prosper.

Thank you to everyone involved! It is no small task to bring the market to you each week even for the short 4 hour period that it currently operates.

Be seeing you at the market,

Cheers,
Tricia

2009-05-28T16:39:00.026-04:00

Daylight is staying longer, the trees are filling in AND strawberries will be here soon. And tomatoes. With the summer produce coming the market continues to grow. This Saturday be sure to visit our new vendors Kosciks Greenhouses, Green Leaf Pastry, and Three-Two-Three. Three.Two.Three is a local new business venture. These women make & market unique handcrafted herbal products. All herbs are organic and all packaging is made from re-used recycled materials. They have herbal teas, herbal baths, their popular Chakra Focus pillows, Lavender eye pillows, and Snuggie Poos (adorable handcrafted stuffed toys filled with salt and lavender packs to warm up for that upset tummy or late night upset).

Kosciks are bring bushels full of fresh, ground-grown tomatoes from their greenhouses. Kim McCarvel owns Green Leaf Pastry and Green Fusion. You may have tried some of her organic baked treats or saw her artwork at the WOW event we participated in at the St. Anne’s Centre in April. Kim starts at the market this week and will be giving free cookies to those who bring their own bags and containers. St. Thomas Energy conservation specialist , Kathleen, will be with us this weekend to present all sorts of ideas and tips on energy conservation for your family. Did you visit the folks from Oegama’s last week? They will be back this week with turkey breasts, ground turkey, sausages, and medallions. Coffee, tea, muffins, scones, cookies, tarts - Courtney and Kate from Coffee Cultures are bringing more variety and quantity this week. Bring your own containers and stock up for the weekend. They will be selling their organic fair-trade coffee. Sit indoors at our café and listen to the Retreads – this is their last week at the market. We will be bringing in a variety of music and entertainment to please all the music lovers. Stay tuned for June’s venue…. And you asked, and McSmith’s listened – they will have bundles of fresh beet greens along with several other lettuce variety for all your summer salad needs. Someone mentioned to me on Saturday that he could smell something like….. Cinnamon? Fresh, made-in-front of your eyes – Sin-o-buns! What a treat! Bring your own container for these also although they may not make it home. Enjoy at the outdoor gravel café along with ‘brunch’ from the Pet Friends For Life BBQ. We know Farmgate’s bacon on a bun is a big hit at the café, and now they have teamed up with a bakery from London called Organic Works to bring a variety of gluten-free breads including spelt, light buckwheat and brown rice. These breads are fresh baked and freeze very well so see Farmgate’s for all your gluten-free breads!

Empire Valley is starting back this weekend. Look for their clay potted herbal arrangements, strawberry plants, and heritage tomato plants to get your garden going.

Last week’s winner of the customer appreciation draw was John & Sue O’Reilly. They took home a basket of goodies. Each vendor contributes something to this draw every week so be sure to fill out your name and number at the table inside – now set up at a table near the café. We welcome your suggestions, your input, and most importantly your presence at the market! The connectedness that happens every Saturday is so valuable and often intangible. It breathes new life into our community, it regenerates and it sustains. Continue to share and spread the word about St. Thomas’ Horton Farmers Market. Pass this e-mail along to everyone you know. Suggest meeting at the market for a coffee and a little social time. Look forward to seeing you at the market!

Cheers,
Tricia Herbert
Market Manager

May two-four has come and gone ...

2009-05-21T19:34:00.032-04:00

... even though it happened May 16^th.

It did rain again – to be expected, right? But now we are in for sunny skies for the remainder of the market season. Although I actually do not mind the rain, it does not seem to deter our Saturday morning crowd at the market.

Calling all gardening enthusiasts – the St. Thomas Horticultural Society will be at the market this weekend with its’ annual plant sale. This is a one-time deal so you might want to get the pick of the crop.

Did you try the Dilly Dally Bean Dip from The Village Pantry of Belmont? Christine is very selective of her ingredients that go into this dip. AND her banana chocolate chip cookies are AMAZING! Really, it’s like eating a mini banana cake. This is one of the many side benefits of my role – taste testing!

I also brought my own carton and ‘picked’ a dozen eggs from Frisa Farms. Due to some regulations about eggs, they cannot re-use egg cartons – but you can! You can bring your own carton(s) and fill them at their egg cooler. They sold out of eggs last week! Be sure to say Hi to Hannah – our youngest market vendor.

The Oegema Turkey Shoppe is coming to the market for this Saturday! Turkey breasts and burgers – perfect for the grill.

And how about the Iron Spike Banger from Farmgates? Or maybe some bacon on a bun from Pets Friends for Life BBQ fundraiser? Farmgate will be supplying all their BBQ needs to help raise funds for these animal friends in-need.

What do you know about the Jacob Sheep breed?

From Gainford Forest Farm -

rare breed Jacob sheepskins. Local and naturally raised lamb and sheepskins.
Sheepskins are wonderfully cozy and comfortable on backs of chairs, car seats, wheel chairs and bedside floor. Used in hospitals to prevent bedsores.

Jacob sheep are said to be descended from the Biblical patriarch Jacob who kept spotted sheep.

Mary Edgar is a Canadian Volunteer for WENDWOA (West Nile Disadvantaged Women and Orphans Association). She spends half of her time in Uganda working with local artisans there who create beautiful jewelry from different seeds and rolled newspaper/magazine paper. The proceeds from the sale of this jewelry go directly back to benefit these disadvantaged women and children.

Vickie from Jaydancin was busy cooking last week! Cooking soap that is. All her products are naturally derived with as minimal processing and packaging as possible. Be sure to pick up some bubblegum or creamsicle soap for the kids.

Heritage Line Herbs brings a wide selection of dried herb blends perfect for seasoning your grilled veggies. They also have a large variety of ‘ready-to-plant’ herbs.

Be sure to have your croutons and ceasar dressing ready as McSmiths Organics has plenty of fresh, crisp romaine. Just look at the size of these and you will see proof of nature’s bounty.

Congratulations to Margaret Silverthorne! Her name was drawn for the first customer appreciation basket of the 2009 season. Remember to fill out a ballot inside at the market café. Include your name and phone number, and the winner will be contacted to pick up their prize the following Saturday at the market. All our vendors contribute to the basket.

There are so many things to tell you about… we have new vendors starting each week. We will be seeing some regular vendors starting back in the next few weeks bringing……. Strawberries, tomatoes and garlic.

Stay tuned and see you at the Market!

Cheers,

Tricia Herbert

Did you get a chance to visit the market this past Saturday?

2009-05-14T17:31:00.029-04:00

What a great day to be had by all despite the torrential downpour. Thankfully, we now have the market building to shelter us a little from the seasonal weather. It felt a lot like a celebration … celebrating Mothers’ Day and the changing of the seasons AND welcoming the bounty of spring produce.

And then there’s that connection thing. I saw it everywhere – like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. And customers who were happy to see some new vendors at the market like Frisa Farm Eggs and Boonie Doon Beach Glass Artistry.

Ray and Sandy from Farmgate have a few things they are cooking up specifically for the Horton Farmers Market. They have teamed up with our own local brewery, Iron Spike Brewery, to bring you the Iron Spike Banger sausage. Try a sample when you stop by to pick up all your deli and BBQ needs.

As the season progresses you may notice different faces inside the market building. Farmgate, City Coffee, Frisa Farm Eggs and Jaydancin will be inside for the entire market season. Some of our other vendors will rotate through the building and the outside pavilions. This way everyone gets a chance to experience the full market atmosphere and we keep it fresh.

McSmith’s Organics has lots and lots of lettuce! And spinach salad greens. I will never forget my first bite of salad that had just yesterday been growing in the soil – that is fresh! They will also have lettuce plants and heritage tomato plants in peat pots – ready to plant with way less impact on the environment then using plastic planters.

Did you know that asparagus is a highly labour-intensive crop to harvest? It is cut, washed, and bundled by hand. Spring Spear-it sold out – I know because I bought the last bunch of asparagus from them. The eager cousins Taylor and Rachael will be back this week with a bigger lot to sell.

Mary Joicus from Erie Gardens and her girls with the Kids Kraft Korner are master gardeners! Check out their bedding plants, potted flowers and cool craft ideas for kids of all ages! These girls bring crafts to the market each week and request a small donation only to offset their supply costs. They are looking for old large 2 or 4 holed buttons for an upcoming craft. So dig through your button collection and drop them off to the girls on Saturday.

Ethel Mitrovic knows pottery. This is one of my favourite photos. She was a trooper during that first windy, torrential rain on Saturday. Be sure to stop by her booth to see her unique creations.

Sandy Sullivan and her sister own and create for Boonie Doon Beach Glass Artristry. Her daughter Carly will be selling some unique jewelry and tablewares and they will have some ‘market-only’ specials coming up soon.

And Josie Allosery made the news with the St. Thomas Times Journal! She can be seen sharing her expertise with some market goers in the Tuesday May 12 edition.

Palmer’s Maple Syrup is back. I also tried their rhubarb maple syrup muffins. They did not last long – didn’t even make it home as a matter of fact.

And something that was so much fun and received rave reviews – The Retreads! This group of eager musicians played for four hours! We even had a few dancers take to the floor near the end of the day. They will be back for the month of May.

I welcome your comments and suggestions – keep them coming! I am always looking for new vendors, musicians and ideas for themes and events at the market. I have an office in the building although you may note I will rarely be in there; my tendency is to walk around. My card is there to pick up. Track me down on Saturday to say Hi.

See you at the Market!

Tricia Herbert

Market Manager

Horton Farmers' Market kick-off

2009-05-14T13:46:00.021-04:00

Welcome to the slightly new venue bringing

The Horton Farmers' Market news to you each week.

A few things new for the 2009 season;

the newly renovated building is open for business,
a few new vendors,
a new market manager,
and more new visitors to the market.

Whether you are new to the market atmosphere or a seasoned repeat customer, there is something for you. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be part of our local farmers' market.

"A farmers market is an act of reconnection." (The 100-Mile Diet, Smith & MacKinnon - available at Oracles Book Shop on Talbot Street).

It is my intention with this newsletter/blog format to keep you in that act of reconnection. As I busily put together last minute details, I am including just a sample of our vendors for this year. Remember it is Mother's Day weekend - the market is a perfect place to start as there will be plenty of surprises and gifts for mom at the market.

We will have farm fresh eggs all season this year. Be sure to see Amber deJong from Frisa Farm eggs. She will bring flats and one dozen cartons, and starting May 16, you can bring your own carton(s) to fill.

Say hello to the folks at Farmgate Markets bringing a full range of meat, deli meats and cheeses available all year long.

Welcome to the little Sweet Shoppe of St. Thomas. Our own chocolatier is bringing a few sweet treats for all your special occasions.
And the new City Coffee are back with their certified organic fair-trade coffee, a full range of baked goods, sandwiches, and speciality drinks. You can sit at the indoor cafe and listen to some live music or lounge in the Gravel Cafe outside in the north pavilion and soak in a few rays of sun (me being optimistic that the weather will cooperate.

Jaydancin is back this year, and setting up shop in the building with soap-making workshops, all natural skin care products and mineral makeup.

Spring Roles for breakfast? I have heard that many times - Lotus Thai is famous for their spring rolls and will serve them up fresh every Saturday.

Have you tried watercress before? Beaverbrook Culinary Herbs will have fresh picked watercress available starting May 9th. Check out Michele's sample of recipes that include ideas for season-ready produce.

"Spring Spear-it" is a new venture starting at the market this year. Can you guess what fresh, hand-cut vegetable they are selling?

Did you know that the market provides a great venue for fundraising events? Pets Friends for Life will be there each Saturday selling Farmgates' Oktoberfest sausage and other BBQ specialities. You may also remember Word & Deed from last year selling fresh cut flowers (perfect for Mother's Day!), and the St. Thomas Senior Centre bringing Cherry Cheesecake Pies.

The market is growing - we have some seasoned veterans like Janssens, McSmiths Organics, Erie Gardens and Empire Valley Farms and some new farmers such as Kosciks Greenhouses and Debackere Farms, but you need to come and see for yourself.

As I have been saying a lot these days: ‘See you at the market!'

Greens

2009-04-07T20:11:00.000-04:00

Market Location

2009-04-06T20:12:00.003-04:00

The Horton Farmer's Market is located centrally, directly north of the historic CASO station, as show on the Downtown St. Thomas Development Board map

Ethel Mitrovic

2009-04-01T12:58:00.000-04:00

Ethel Mitrovic

32 Alma Street,
St. Thomas, ON.
519 637.7016
email Ethel Mitrovic

Watercolour painting - Landscape. Fine Art, one of a kind pottery - Stoneware with dragon fly Decorations. Functional Earthenware with maiolica decorative, functional or decorative sculpture.