Many fields of dreams here 0
sean chase sean.chase@sunmedia.ca The 100-Mile Farmers’ Market officially opened for the season in Eganville last week. In the ribbon cutting are (left to right) Tracy Keller, chair of the Farmers’ Market Committee; Renfrew County Warden Bob Sweet; Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy; Dan Sheedy, from Farmers’ Markets of Ontario; market manager Judy Sauve; and Dana Jennings, Bonnechere Valley community development officer.
EGANVILLE – The 100-Mile Farmers’ Market officially opened for the season last week at Legion Field in the village.
Organizers estimated 24 vendors had registered for the first market with 17 businesses offering their goods for the entire season which runs until Oct. 5.
Last September, a one-day trial market was convened with the public positively receiving the concept. That prompted the community to stage a summer-long market.
Joining the vendors at the official ribbon-cutting were Renfrew County Warden Bob Sweet and Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy. In his remarks, Warden Sweet lauded organizers for their hard work in showcasing the community and the county’s rural economy.
Mayor Murphy congratulated Tracy Keller and the rest of the Farmer’s Market Committee for putting together a plan which brought the venue to fruition. She then thanked the vendors for their contributions.
Dan Sheedy, regional director with Farmers’ Markets of Ontario, said the 100-Mile project was a testament that this community understands the importance of showing what rural businesses can bring to the economy.
“What a wonderful showcase of what we can produce right here in our own backyard,” said Mr. Sheedy.
The market offers a wide array of homemade produce including fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, beef, rabbit, lamb, chicken, turkey, apple products, baking and preserves. Some vendors came from as far away as Bristol, Quebec. For many farmers, the market becomes an added source of income, said market manager Judy Sauve. However, it also promotes the concept of buying locally.
“The local food is a great draw,” said Ms. Sauve. “Everybody now is really interested in fresh food and knowing the person who grew it and being able to discuss how they produced it.”
Endorsed by the municipality, the 100-Mile Farmers’ Market received early support from the Douglas Lions Club and the Royal Canadian Legion in Eganville, which paid for promoting the event. Organizers also thanked Claire Lepine, owner of The Space Between, for her sponsorship.
The 100-Mile Farmers’ Market is open each Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June 29 to Aug. 31, and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Sept. 7 to Oct. 5.
Sean Chase is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist
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