Anyone looking for an excuse to get outside this Victoria Day weekend can spring into the warmer weather at Fermanagh Farms.
The event venue is hosting its second-annual spring market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19 with local artisans, food vendors and an expanded kids zone with bouncy castle — all hosted in and around a rustic barn from 1893 on the farm property at 4023 Line 3, in Bradford.
Owner Thom Mills expects more than 40 vendors will be present offering:
- food and treats
- crafts, garden and pet items
- decor
- jewellery, clothing and accessories
- body care, teas and wellness items
“It’s about bringing community together with local vendors in a family-friendly event,” he said.
In addition to many returning small businesses, Mills also highlighted a few of the new additions for this year, including: BWOOD Coffee, featuring lattes, matcha, tea, baked goods and more; Antonia’s Kitchen offering Portuguese sauces, oils, marinades and preserves; El Cascabel specializing in tasty tamales; and Angie’s Sweet Little Kitchen offering desserts and savoury pies — to name just a few.
With all those yummy treats available, Mills understands that some might be tempted to have lunch right there at the market, and said guests are “absolutely” welcome to make use of the picnic tables, or walk the grounds and enjoy the scenic property.
Also new for this year is a country line dancing event running after the market from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., in which everyone of all ages and skills levels are welcome to participate at cost of $15 per ticket.
“I’m not a huge line dancer myself, but I know it’s going to be a great time,” Mills said. “It’s one of those activities that whether you are good at it or a newbie, it’s going to be fun.”
New Age Country Entertainment Inc. will also ask guests to participate for a few minutes here and there throughout the day in preview demonstrations of what to expect later in the evening.
The holiday weekend has a reputation as the unofficial start of summer and cottage season, and while that means some people will be out of town, Mills said Fermanagh Farms picked that date to create a “great experience” for those staying close to home.
Having grown up on the farm as the seventh generation since his family settled in the area in the early 1800s from County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, Mills said he understands the importance of gathering, giving back and knowing your neighbours — not just on the same road, but from the wider community.
“This is really about an opportunity to bring people in the area together,” he said.
Admission to the market is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a donation of food or funds for the Helping Hand Food Bank, and Mills is hoping they can top the almost $650 and 1,100 pounds collected at last year’s spring market.
Guests are also encouraged to reserve a spot to help Fermanagh Farms keep track of numbers.
Pets are welcome, but must remain on a leash and the event is scheduled to go ahead rain or shine, with both the barn and a tented area providing a space to keep dry, but dress appropriately.
For more information, including a full list of vendors and detailed directions, to RSVP or to purchase tickets for line dancing, visit the event page at fermanaghfarms.com/vendormarkets.
