At the market
Paige Buma of the Russell Farm Market was one of the vendors selling fresh local produce at the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market in Metcalfe on Sat., July 22. Vetter photo
Candice Vetter
Villager Staff
METCALFE – The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market has been established since 1993 and is still going strong after 24 years in its location on the Metcalfe Fairgrounds.
Current president Sue Potter says the community of vendors, some of whom are regulars from the beginning, like Phyllis Desnoyers, and others which are new or which are occasional, is a friendly group of people and easy to work with.
Desnoyers agrees. “The people couldn’t be friendlier,” she says, referring to both the other vendors and the customers.
The market is one of the first farmers’ markets to open in modern times, starting a trend that has continued to this day. “There are a lot more markets now,” says Potter, “which takes some of ours away, but it’s great that consumers have so much choice.” Vendors are also hoping for improved weather this summer which has been wet so far. A lot of farmers’ market visitors come from the city, and going for a drive in the country isn’t a popular option when Saturday’s weather is pouring rain.
During the spring and fall the market features regulars with products like baking, jams, eggs, meat, cheese, handmade items, and ethnic foods, but now fresh local produce is starting to come in, which will also bring out the clientele.
“The beans are here at last,” said Potter, “and there are some beautiful tomatoes and peppers.” At the market on Sat., July 22, she said, “This is the first week we’ve had three produce vendors and we’ll be expecting more now.”
The market has many upcoming events, including live music at most of the markets, hosting a junior vendor day, food and healthy eating demonstrations, kids crafts, community tables, and highlighted vendors of the week. It is open Saturday mornings until 1 p.m. For more information see http://metcalfefm.com.
