Written By Jan Sims
ILDERTON - The Ilderton Market is open for another season, with some notable changes to the popular farmers market. “We are in a new location, 100 Meadowcreek Drive, in the southern parking lot of the Community Bible Church. This location offers plenty of room, level pavement, and lots of parking. The expanded space has allowed us to add more vendors and we now have over 30 vendors most weeks,” says Market Manager Kara Muller.
Now in its 13th season, the Market attracts several hundred people each Saturday. Its success is built on an increased awareness of the benefits of eating locally-grown food and supporting area producers according to Muller. “Our market tries to capitalize on this and become the link between our rural location and our suburban population. We also serve as a community hub where friends and neighbours gather each Saturday morning.”
As far as produce is concerned, strawberries have been the big attraction in June. And come late July, fresh corn will be a popular draw. “Current seasonal crops include leafy greens, garlic, rhubarb, and peas. Soon we’ll see beets, potatoes, cabbage, and broccoli. Our market is fortunate to have the Veggie Kings selling their local hot house vegetables so even though they are not in season, you will still find tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplant at our market,” enthuses Muller.
In addition to fruit, vegetables and meat, the Ilderton Market features prepared foods. “We have a selection of amazing bakers offering an array of goods such as bread, cakes, & pastries. We have several small businesses offering prepared foods such as frozen pierogies, ready-to-heat pizzas, raw honey, herbs & spices, jams & preserves,” says Muller. A food truck is also featured, and a variety of local artists and artisans have their creations for sale.
The Ilderton Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon until the Thanksgiving weekend.
