Farmer’s Market vendors enjoying their new outdoor digs

May 13, 2010

Brenda Kerr of Maple-Lim Farm

Vendors at the Frontenac Farmers Market in Verona enjoyed their first week outdoors and many vendors have set up shop in the New Donna Clarke Memorial Pavilion there.

The structure was built as a partnership between the Frontenac Farmers’ Market and the Verona Lions Club in memory of long-time Lions Club member Donna Clarke who left a bequest to the Lions to fund the project after her passing. The project also received generous support from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation and it was completed in January.

The space is ideal for vendors who can back up their vehicles to the pavilion and set up with ease.

Vendor Judy Dumbleton of Judy’s Jams, Jellies and Jarfuls was pleased with the new digs. “Everyone is very happy to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather and the new pavilion makes setting up a lot easier.”

Saturday’s market vendors included the usual suspects and their array of fresh and local products: Maple-Lim Farm’s fresh meat and produce, D&D Garrett’s maple syrup products, baked goods, veggies and bedding plants from Sands Produce, tie dye clothing by the Tye Dye Lady, ecologically raised pork products by Haanover View Farms, ready to eat middle eastern dishes by Memories of Alexandria, jewelry by Debbie Harris and Sharlton cards by DSahron Sole. The South Frontenac Natural Environment Committee was also holding their annual tree sale in the pavilion and the Lions manned their kitchen, serving up meals.

Kaye Traynor of Kaye’s Klubhouse set up a craft corner for kids in one corner of the pavilion and was advertising her weekly summer camps for children aged 6-12, which she will be running this year at the Bellrock Community Hall.

The Donna Clarke Memorial Pavilion’s official opening will take place on Saturday May 29 at 8:45 am, a regular market day and all are welcome to attend.

The Frontenac Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning from 9-1pm and is located at the Verona Lions Centre, 4504 Verona Sand Rd. For more information visit www.frontenacfarmersmarket.ca