As diverse as the farmers themselves

With more markets than there are days in the week, Muskoka offers a multitude of ways to shop

MUSKOKA SUN - Every summer morning somewhere in Muskoka, a tranquil park or busy parking lot is giving way to a weekly mushrooming of white tents.
Once the only way to sell produce and artisanal products, farmers markets have become so much more than merely a green grocery store. Markets have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, due in part to an increased understanding of the importance of small scale, environmentally sustainable farming.
The fundamentals of every farmers market are the same – artisans and farmers set up early and pray for good weather – but in Muskoka at least, that is where the similarities end. Muskoka’s markets are as unique as the communities in which they operate, with each market having its own standards, style, and in many cases, its own distinct group of vendors.
One of the main differences is whether vendors can bring products they didn’t make or grow.
In some markets that’s not allowed. Others welcome “resellers” for one simple reason: Muskoka has a short growing season. By allowing vendors to buy produce from outside the area and resell it, organizers increase the type and amount of produce available and extend the months that the market can operate.
Celebrating its 25th season this year, Huntsville’s Thursday market is a farmers market in the traditional sense. “Make it, bake it or grow it” is market manager Sherry Leverdingen’s mantra and she is fiercely proud of the fact that the market (Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Canadian Tire parking lot) is the only market in Muskoka that does not allow resellers for any reason.
With 25 permanent vendors and one guest space (think the special guest star on the Love Boat), this market showcases vendor wares from a number of regions in Ontario. Compact and with great parking, this is the market where you know you will talk to the person who planted the seed or cracked the egg.
Bracebridge’s market (Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Memorial Park) has a different approach. Organizers here allow resellers; however, they must be producers themselves and they must source any resold product from Ontario. With 36 permanent and 10 to 20 guest vendors, this market’s focus is on families enjoying their day out. “We’re just one big family and we have a ball,” said market manager Margaret Smith.
Embodying Muskoka’s love of the water, the Gravenhurst market (Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) is situated at the events field at Muskoka Wharf. This market is frequented by locals and cottagers alike, arriving on foot, car, boat or, in the case of one dedicated market-goer, floatplane. Winner of Foodland Ontario’s “Best Seasonal Farmers Market” award, Gravenhurst’s farmers market is the region’s biggest, with 95 permanent vendors and between two and three guest places.
Market manager Pat Lowen believes that going to a farmers market is more than just picking up your groceries, it’s an event in itself. “You can go to a farmers market almost every day in Muskoka,” says Lowen. “People go just for the fun of it.”
This is a market where resellers are allowed; however, organizers are quick to point out that vendors are strongly encouraged to focus on the sale of local produce and to advertise what is local and what not.
Not to be forgotten are markets in the smaller towns of the region.
The Bala market (Mondays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Precambrian Shield parking lot) stands out among Muskoka’s markets primarily because it began as a way to bring tourism to the region and its vendor mix reflects that. With 25 permanent vendors from all over Ontario, Bala’s aim is to provide variety. This results in an eclectic mix of vendors ranging from clothing to housewares and everything in between.
Just entering its second year, Port Carling farmers market (Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Hanna Park) is one of the new kids on the block. Organizers of this event aim to showcase local fare first and regional second, with priority being given to vendors from Muskoka. The resulting vendor mix is one that follows their mandate of local business providing something for everyone.
Baysville market (Fridays, 2 – 6 p.m., arena parking lot) was started to “beautify and promote Baysville,” says organizer Helen White. The only market that is run by a community group and not a board of directors, this market is all about bringing people into the community with 25 vendors providing a good range of products in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
There are also markets in Rosseau (Fridays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the waterfront), Parry Sound (Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Market Square park), and a second market in Huntsville on Saturdays (9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at River Mill Park).
Each market has its own reason for being and a unique approach to vendor mix and available products, but one thing holds true for all the region’s markets: if you’re looking for a zip-in, zip-out shopping experience, the markets may not be your style. However, if a relaxed wander, buying things you couldn’t resist, is more your speed, then Muskoka’s farmers markets are for you.
“It’s fun,” says Baysville’s Helen White. “Why do any of us go to farmers markets? It’s summer.”

Small - Large
|
Print
|
Email
|
|