By Mike Anderson
The Georgina Farmers’ Market opened for its 10th season on Sunday, May 18.
Despite unseasonably cold temperatures—the daytime high was just 11 degrees Celsius—hundreds of residents, cottagers, and day-trippers wasted no time in snapping up artisanal baked goods, fresh produce, and local handicrafts.
According to co-founder Natalia Zammitti, a local realtor, the farmers’ market keeps getting bigger and better each year. This season, there are 55 vendors, up from 45 last year.
“It can’t believe it’s been 10 years. It feels really good. We’ve created a family here. And the first day coming back and seeing everyone again is really nice,” she said.
“Georgina comes out and supports local vendors, rain or shine. It’s heartwarming.”
Zammitti says this season; they’ve added new food vendors offering delicious wood-fired pizzas, samosas, salads, and sourdough bagels.
The market will also continue to feature live music each week, a kid’s play area, and, new this year, a school bus from Landmark Bus Lines that adults and kids can paint.
Zammitti also reminds folks to fill in a ballot at the market booth for the weekly giveaway basket draw, which features goodies from various vendors.
“The vendors are very generous, and it allows you to try something you might not otherwise buy,” she said.
Zammitti is grateful for the support residents have shown the market over the past nine seasons, which has helped boost local tourism.
“We have a lot of people who come up to Sibbald Point Provincial Park and come here for groceries and other things. And, we have people who come up to their cottage. They stay for the whole summer, and they’re here every Sunday.”
She also says the market has helped launch several small businesses.
“We had a vendor who started with mustards and sauces, and now they grew so big they have their own production, and they’re in stores. I love seeing their business take off. And that’s what it’s about. We’re sad when we lose them but excited for them because they’re growing their business.”
Mayor Margaret Quirk, who was joined by several councillors, for the ribbon cutting ceremony, marking market’s 10th season, says it has become a staple of summer in Georgina and continues to make a significant contribution to the Town’s economy.
“I talk to people here who are visiting from out of town. And they may shop on High Street, or go to a restaurant afterwards. So, it brings people into the community in a big way,” Mayor Quirk said.
“And I know from talking to vendors this is a market where people actually buy. In some markets, they just wander through. And, when you’re a vendor, it’s all about making those sales and those connections. Not every community has a farmers’ market, so for Georgina to have one here in Sutton is fabulous.”
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