The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market opened for its 29th year on Sat., May 7. This group of people celebrated the special moment. Left to right are Merilyn Mulligan, Jacob Taylor, Janet Borzecki, Serena Weinholdt, Pat Trudel, Debbie Lyall, Phyllis Desoyners, Metcalfe Farmers’ Market president Susan Potter, Larry Bazzinett, Benson Morris, market manager Reanne Slater, and Coun. George Darouze. Morin Photo
METCALFE – The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market celebrated its 29th year with a grand opening on Sat., May 7.
The market included blacksmith demonstrations and music by Two for the Road.
Reanne Slater the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market manager was happy to have the market back open for another season.
She said, “We have 54 vendors.”
Slater said there was no problem getting that number of vendors at the market for the opening day. “We have a waiting list,” she said.
“This will be our 29th year which is wonderful, and we have four-night markets planned again.”
Slater mentioned “There are a few new people; we have some new flower vendors and Halls Apples. We have a few new farmers outside with vegetables and a new pork person.”
“The market is definitely healthy.”
Slater said she works throughout the off-season to find new vendors and uses social media for example to help maintain the area’s awareness about the market.
Susan Potter the president of the market and the owner of Susan Potter Photograph Restoration and Digital Services was happy with the market turnout.
Potter has been at the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market since 2006.
“The amount of vendors we have today and for the season is definitely the most we have had in a number of years,” said Potter.
Potter said there are a lot of smaller producers who prefer the Metcalfe market.
“Hopefully because we have so many vendors, people come out and see that it is worthwhile and want to come back.”
Potter said there was a great deal of room for more vendors and more visitors.
Ottawa councillor for the Osgoode ward George Darouze was on hand for the opening of the market.
He said, “I am very happy to be here again, and for the 29th season. It’s a beautiful day to be in Metcalfe.”
Darouze said that after the pandemic, it was great to see so many people out and about.
“In the last few years, people have been cooped up, and it’s so nice to see people out in the community supporting the local economy and agriculture sector.”
Joseph Morin is the Editor of the Eastern Ontario AgriNews, and the Record. He is, despite years of practice, determined to eventually play the guitar properly. He has served the Eastern Ontario community as a news editor, and journalist for the past 25 years with the Iroquois Chieftain, Kemptville Advance, West Carleton Review, and Ottawa Carleton Review in Manotick. He has never met a book he did not like.
