Customers were lined up 40 deep for the opening ceremonies of the North Bay winter Farmers’ Market Saturday.
The market takes up two full store spaces at the North Bay Mall.
“We have so many vendors who want to come in that we actually have a waiting list and we have a number of occasional vendors. So, we have enough to fill the two rooms. We’re starting out with 35 vendors this year,” said market manager, Mary Willard.
“We have three spots that we’re leaving for occasional vendors or community booths. I have a long list of occasional vendors as well, but people can still apply to be an occasional vendor.”
The winter market offers everything from exclusive one of a kind hand made crafts, to fresh produce, meat, kinds of vinegar and sauces, maple syrup, fresh eggs, baked goods and much, much more.
As Christmas draws nearer, the market will be flooded with customers looking for gifts that are out of the ordinary.
“Each booth is rather unique. When we look at all the applications that come in, and it is usually about 60 applications, we look seriously at them and make sure their items are unique,” said Willard.
“There are some vendors who have been here for years and years and there is a commitment to those vendors. But now that we’re filling up spots, we would be looking for those unique items.”
This is year two for vendor Patricia Kennedy of Patsy’s Tees.
“Everybody helps out everybody else. That is so amazing. It feels really good. And we’re growing. The value of the product is excellent, the vegetables are organic, the meat is wonderful and there are many things you can’t get anywhere else. It just gets better and better every year. I think it is very important for North Bay,” said Kennedy who is seeing people she didn’t see over the summer.
“It seems that when they come here, they are looking to buy something specific. They are on a mission. While in the summer, they seem to be wandering around more, and a lot are tourists too. For some farmers, they became fulltime vendors which they didn’t think they could.”
As a consumer, Judy Brophey is a big fan of the winter market.
“I love the winter market because it is easier to walk around, things aren’t blowing around and there are a lot of the old vendors. I call them friends because they know me, I know them, and I know things are fresh and amazing. The baked goods are always good for parties and dinners and the same for the meat. I always come for Saturday night’s dinner,” said Brophey.
“And for Christmas, I come here for stocking stuffers. The vendors use their imagination and come up with some amazing things. And you get to see the different techniques on items like ceramics. It is just amazing the unique things they come up with.”
Starting next Saturday through to the end of April, scavenger hunts will be held beginning at 11 a.m. for children aged three to 13.
“There will be vendors participating, clues to be given out and prizes for the winners. Teams will be random or with someone you know,” said Kennedy.
“The idea is to get the children to learn more about produce, the vendors themselves and just to have a fun activity. It only lasts 20 minutes and then the prizes are awarded.”
Applications to become a vendor are available at the Farmers’ Market website, [email protected]
