Matt Romaine and Margaret Atkinson entertain shoppers at the Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market.
When I think about the places I’ve traveled, the one constant I find in any city worth visiting is an active market. Be it the Salamanca Market in Hobart, Tasmania, or the Public Market on Granville Island in Vancouver, a market showcases the city’s dedication to healthy living, community cohesiveness and promotion of local fare.
The Salamanca Market in Hobart, Tasmania.
After a successful inaugural season last summer, the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market will make its return on June 12th, 2010. Last year’s market, held in the parking lot of the old Transit Windsor bus terminal, instilled a sense of community for downtown Windsorites, and connected the county with the city by offering fresh veggies, fruits, breads, spreads, and flowers.
Essex County Gold
Also seen at the market were local vendors of the arts and crafts. Market goers could peruse the fresh food selection, then cross the divide and purchase some fantastic pieces of jewelery, beautiful handmade wooden pens, nurturing body lotions and lip balms, healing teas, face-painting for the kids and some pretty paintings and photographs. Just to name a few.
Face Painting by Perry Noia the Clown.
The market will return to the bus terminal this year, but other aspects have changed. Hours of operation have been decreased, as a result of little to no business during the afternoon hours experienced last season. The new hours will see the market open at 8am and close at 1pm. The cost for a booth will drop, too, in an effort to get more vendors committed for multiple dates.
Another major change will be an affiliation with Farmers’ Markets Ontario. The Market organizers will be applying to become members, which will help keep our market on par with other cities. Being a member of FMO will also be a benefit when it comes to organizational processes, with their extensive list of resources for beginning markets.
At a vendor meeting held in Leamington last week, merchants were given the chance to provide input. Student participation (with community service hours rewarded), having a Master Gardener available for informational sessions, and collaborating with other Windsor events (WIFF, Earth Day celebrations, etc.) were some of the ideas tossed around.
I feel the the Farmers’ Market is the beginning of a revolution for downtown Windsor. It’s continuing events like this that will help revitalize the city’s core, bringing people of all ages together. The market promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports local business. A general sense of “goodness” overcomes you when you visit the market.
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor at this year’s market, fire off an email to Natalie Bowens or Tristan Fehrenbach, or give them a call at 519-915-9498. The market will be open every Saturday from June 12th until October 30th.
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