Farmers_market_09-19

Jeff Green | May 14, 2009

Volunteers, staff, and members of the Verona Lions and Knights of Columbus serve up pancakes at the Lions Halls

It was a festive day at the Frontenac Farmers’ Market this past Saturday in Verona and the second weekend that market vendors set up their wares outdoors.

It was a one-stop shop for moms and their families to get gifts and yummy treats for their Mother’s Day celebrations, and for shoppers in general to enjoy and support local businesses in the area.

Shoppers enjoyed a wide selection of edible treats such as local beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, cheese, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, homemade chocolates, jams, jellies and more.

Also on display was a variety of craft and gift items including tie-dyed clothing, soap and other body products, woven apparel, garden ornaments, jewelry, cards and various plants for the garden.

After making a purchase, buyers were given ballots to enter a number of raffles that were held at 1PM and which included donated items from many of the vendors present.

Inside the Lions hall, Wayne Conway helped manage the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast put on by the Verona Lions and the Knights of Columbus from Railton. Kitchen volunteers from both organizations were assisted by Madison Strong of Verona and volunteer Linda Bates who flipped copious numbers of perfect, fluffy, golden pancakes. All the food was generously donated by local businesses and the organizers expected to sell over 200 breakfasts in the morning and lunchtime rushes, with the profits being shared by both organizations.

I spoke to a number of the vendors/moms who were planning to enjoy their special Sunday in a number of different ways.

Judy Dumbleton of Judy’s Jams, Jellies and Jarfuls planned to spend the day pickerel fishing on Fifth Depot Lake. Sharon Sole, card maker, planned to stuff a small turkey and serve raisin pie and fresh asparagus from her garden to her family. Michelle Bayes of Roger’s Sugar Shack was waiting to be surprised by her husband and daughter Jessica. Renate Haan of Haanover View Farms was looking forward to a meal prepared by her daughter Rebecca. Tracey Asselstine, a weaver from Old Apple Ridge Farm in Croydon, would likely shovel sheep manure with no complaints since they supply her with the wool she spins for her garments. And for many of the moms, there would be a good part of the day spent in the garden.

The market is located at the Verona Lions Hall at 4505 Verona Sand Road in Verona (watch for the signs). It is open every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM. You can visit the website at www.frontenacfarmersmarket.ca