Vendors at Outdoor Farmers’ Markets are a tough breed, out in all weather – rain or shine.
And it was a soggy start to the season for the Bradford Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning.
The outdoor market, held in the parking lot beside the BWG Public Library, saw a record number of vendors for this year's opening day, despite weather reports that predicted steady rain and ‘embedded thunderstorms.’
Thankfully, the thunderstorms never materialized, but rain it did. Shoppers carried umbrellas and wore rain hats, as they picked up fresh eggs from Homestead Farms, Speziale Fine Foods' European smoked meats; dips, dressings and sauces from Everything Maple & More; Pilliteri Estates wines; organic seedlings from Wild Path Farm, and baking by The Polish Baker, Chef Ryszard Surdyk, and Tammy Jackson of Sweet Annabella’s.
There was also a good selection of fresh produce available, much of it local.
“Bok choy we have already,” said Shane Singh of Springh Farms. “We have rhubarb, asparagus... we have a little bit of kale. Spinach and radish next week!”
Singh said that the cool, wet spring had delayed some planting, but by working the muck soil, Holland Marsh farmers have been able to dry out their fields – in some cases, too much.
“Some of the stuff, like the radishes, needs that little shot of water,” he said. “If I didn’t get that little bit of rain today, I’d be irrigating.”
Over at Lakeside Gardens, there was an array of home-made jams and preserves, flowers, herbs and flowering baskets, and fresh produce - including “something different this year: lettuce in 4-inch pots, ready to eat,” said Rob Radcliffe. “You can either plant them and let them grow, or leave them in the pot and eat them immediately.”
Food booths catered to those looking for breakfast or lunch, and the first of a monthly Artisans' Market offered shoppers everything from hand-made jewellery, to organic candles. At the Community Booth, the Bond Head-Bradford Garden Club looked for new members, and invited kids to plant their own bean seedlings to take home.
Market Manager Laura Vree organized special activities to celebrate the Market's Opening for a 12th season. Singer Russ Clayton entertained, there was free cake, and a ribbon-cutting, with dignitaries that included Mayor Rob Keffer, members of BWG Council and the Board of Trade, and MP for York-Simcoe, Scot Davidson.
“We’re very happy to be here,” said Vree, welcoming vendors and shoppers, and assuring them, “We did not order the rain.”
“It was a long, long winter. The opening of the Farmers’ Market is a sure sign that summer is coming,” said Mayor Keffer. “We’re so happy the Farmer’s Market is back for another year.”
“You’ve got to be thankful for the small things,” said Vree later, as she sheltered under a tent and cut the cake. “At least it’s not too hot, to melt the cake.”
The Bradford Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the east parking lot beside the BWG Public Library, at 425 Holland St. West.
Next week, regular vendors will include Say Cheese!, selling artisanal cheeses, and Innisfil Creek Honey – which was unable to attend opening day because of a conflict with the Beeton Honey Festival. Clarinetist Sean Derraugh entertains, and at the Bond Head-Bradford Garden Club booth, a Master Gardener will provide free gardening advice.
And hopefully, vendors and shoppers will be greeted by sunshine.
