First Saturday Farmers Market In Downtown Peterborough Was A Smash

On Saturday (June 9th), hundreds of people turned out for the first ever Peterborough Regional Farmers' Market at Citi Centre courtyard.

Photo courtesy DBIA

Many of the 40+ vendors on hand sold out of their supplies before noon: Erin McLean from McLean Berry Farm had this to say in a heartwarming Facebook post excerpted here...

"Sometimes there are no words...but you have to try anyway. We are...overwhelmed. In the best way possible. I have found myself near tears numerous times today, but as I reflected upon the day and all of the wonderful supportive comments, customers, vendors, partners, early rising volunteers - and not to mention the hugs and love that was showered upon us...I couldn’t help the tears from flowing from the gratitude we feel for this community.

We knew that there were people who loved us. You show us over and over again with your kind words, your actions and your support...but I don’t think anyone expected the turnout we saw today. In a word...we were...flabbergasted. I can’t believe that we sold out of so many things so early. I cannot believe that so many vendors sold out so early. I’m so excited for next week when those vendors will have more, because they now know and realize the support the community is able to show them. I’m so excited for more and more things to come into season."

Read her full post below...

Photo courtesy DBIA

The market runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you haven't yet, visit it to support your local farmers and producers!

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41 Vendors Are Already In New Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market With More To Come

The new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will launch with a whopping 41 vendors on opening day this Saturday (June 9th) in downtown Peterborough at Citi Centre Courtyard (307 Aylmer Street), and more applications are still arriving.

The new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will have familiar faces and a great mix of new farmers that have never before had an opportunity to sell their products in Peterborough.

The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will be partnering with Farm to Table Culinary Tours to produce a brand-new series of events bringing together market growers and vendors, Peterborough-area chefs and producers, and downtown businesses.

This pilot project will offer participants a unique opportunity to get to know growers/producers and explore the steps that take locally grown ingredients from the farm to the best kitchens in Peterborough.

“We’ll be taking the freshest food you can possibly get and letting our finest culinary artists have a bit of fun,” says Farm to Table owner Donald Fraser. “It’s going to be a feast for the senses and an incredible opportunity to celebrate—and taste—the very best in our food community.”

The opening day at the new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will have yoga workshops and other pop-up surprise events throughout the day for people to enjoy. Seven hundred free parking spots are steps away from the new market.

Below is a list of the participating vendors throughout the summer, with more to come organizers say...

McLean Berry Farm
Ashburnham Farm Gaelic Garlic
Chick-a-biddy Acres
Circle Organic
Deep Roots
Grandmas Heritage Plants
Kendal Hill Game Farm
Martins Fruit and Vegetable Farm
Nautilus Farm
PineHaven Farm
Rhyzosphere
Riel Acres Farm
Small Spade Inc.
The Back 40
The Farm on Argyle
The Manor Farm
Warner Farm
Field Sparrow Farms
G. Fenton Farms
Leahy Stock Farm
Miller Farms
Hunnabees
Linlor Farm & Forest
OtonaBee Apiary
Carolina's Colombia Coffee
A1 Gluten Free Gals
Belly of the Beast Craft Kombucha
Chef Marshall
Curry Mantra
Doo Doo's Bakery
Elixir
Finest Gourmet Fudge
Fresh Urban Plate
KitCafe
La Mesita Restaurante
Leahy Baking
Two Dishes Cookshop
Nancy Sews
Feather & Stone
Reddick Studio Porcelain
Willow Bark

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Here Is The Lakefield Farmers' Market Vendor Map For This Season

The Lakefield Farmers' Market kicks off its 2018 season on Thursday (May 24th).

You can grab a free cup of coffee and a treat while supplies last and meet all the vendors out this year. The market takes place at the Lakefield Arena parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here is a Vendor Map...

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Peterborough Region Farmers’ Market Launches On Saturdays In Downtown Peterborough

Local farmers and the Peterborough Regional Farmers Network (PRFN) put out a call on May 19th for the community to rally support for a new farmers’ market, and after several offers of new locations it has accepted the offer from Brad Smith, President and CEO of AON Inc., to locate the new Saturday farmers’ market to the AON Citi Centre courtyard in downtown Peterborough.
 
The new market will be called the Peterborough Region Farmers’ Market, and will be all local growers: “The public can arrive every Saturday and shop with confidence because local farmers will be clearly identified,” says Astrid Manske, PRFN Board member and owner of OtonaBEE Apiary.

AON Citi Centre property is located on the corner of Charlotte and Aylmer in downtown Peterborough, and the site is large enough to hold a considerable number of vendors. In addition, nearby parking is plentiful and free on Saturdays.

The site has many other advantages too, including the newly renovated public library up the street, the main City bus station located within a two-minute walk, and many people can walk or bike to the new location. In the future, the Citi Centre site will have the new Louis Street Urban Park on one side and the revitalized Bethune street project on the other.
 
"Farmers markets work great in downtowns and this announcement just makes our downtown even more out of the ordinary,” says Terry Guiel, executive director of the DBIA.
 
Peterborough Region Farmers’ Market will officially kick off Saturday, June 9th, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market Opening Day Is May 2nd

On May 2nd, the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market will open for the 2018 season. This year, they will be shutting down the street between Louis St and George St., and transforming Charlotte into a pedestrian friendly, bustling Farmers’ Market every Wednesday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  

This year marks the 21st year of bringing fresh locally grown seasonal produce and products to Downtown Peterborough. As a producers-only market, shoppers can be sure they are buying direct from the farmers, growers, bakers and Chefs themselves, and learn about diverse local produce as it comes into season. 

Each Wednesday, market-goers will find a festive and lively market full of their favourite vendors selling seasonal produce, meats, cheese, fresh flowers, baked goods, art, plants to grow, coffee and lunches to go.  

Along with monthly special events showcasing seasonal bounty, guest Chefs will provide samples, on-site cooking demonstrations, and innovative ideas on using market products throughout market season. The Downtown Farmers' Market season runs until October 31st.

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Watch: Documentary On Oral History Of Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is proud to have been a producers only market since their inception 20 years ago.

Starting in 1996, this market was formed by a group of local farmers looking to set up a new, producers only market that would help them grow their businesses, build community, and offer customers a mid-week downtown location for purchasing fresh seasonal produce, local meats, cheeses, flowers and other local goods.

Shoppers can be sure they are buying local seasonal vegetables, flowers, meats, and cheeses from the farmers themselves, as well as wonderful baking, prepared lunches, crafts, coffee and drinks from the folks who made them.

To learn more about the history of the market and how it has helped local farms and businesses, check out this new documentary from local filmmaker Brian Mitolo...

An oral history of our local downtown farmers' market, as told by some of the farmers.

The market's 2017 season ends October 25th.

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Downtown Farmers' Market Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary With A Party

In 1996, the Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market was formed by a group of local farmers' looking to set up a new, producers-only market that would help them grow their businesses, build community and offer customers a mid-week downtown location for purchasing fresh seasonal produce and local goods.

Two decades later, the vibrant market is still going strong. On Wednesday (August 16th), it will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a party.

Local Chef Lindsey Dupuis from Brio Gusto will cook up samples using market produce and products, and give you some ideas for using all this delicious abundance as it comes into season.

As well, live music will be provided to accompany the bustling backdrop of the farmers' market. There will also be a draw for a basket of market goods, kids activities and much more.

Head on down on August 16th, talk to the farmers and vendors about the history of the market, and help celebrate this impressive milestone.

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Community Magic: Here Are Before & After Pictures Of Peterborough Wednesday Market

In a matter of hours, the Louis St. Parking Lot is transformed by the Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market into this beehive of community activity each week...

THE BEFORE

photo via Gillian Bishop

THE AFTER

photo via Gillian Bishop

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PTBOCanada Pics: Pop Up Market (Buy Local, Buy Indie)

After our weekend trip to the Farmers' Market on Saturday, we made our way over to the corner of Lock and Morrow Streets to the Pop Up Market. Artisans, crafters, and bakers came together to showcase and sell their items.  

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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