The Bradford Farmers’ Market kicked off the market season on Saturday with a celebration of its 15th anniversary.
To commemorate the day, York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson, Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer, and members of council attended.
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Bradford Farmers’ Market on 15 years of successful seasons in our community,” said Keffer. “Our municipality is blessed with some of the most fertile soils in Canada, establishing Bradford West Gwillimbury as one of the premier growing areas in North America. We’re truly gifted to have the bountiful harvest of the Holland Marsh available for sale each Saturday at this welcoming market. It’s extremely gratifying to see it continue to prosper.”
Knowing the market wouldn’t succeed without the vendors, Keffer thanked all who have taken the time to turn it into a “dynamic marketplace” over the last 15 years by providing diverse options to the community.
“When you walk into the farmers’ market the atmosphere is just so nice,” said Keffer. “The crowd that’s here is a testament to just how much our residents enjoy coming to the farmers’ market. I hope everyone realizes the commitment it takes to be part of the farmers’ market every Saturday through the spring, summer, and fall. We really thank you all for making that commitment and making the farmers’ market a go-to place for the residents of Bradford."
Davidson congratulated the market on its milestone while also commenting on the importance of fighting for farmers to ensure Canadians continue to have access to locally grown food.
“It’s an honour to be here and support our hardworking farmers,” said Davidson. “I often say in Ottawa you can move a General Motors plant, but you can’t move a farm. Farmers are important to Canada and especially to Bradford West Gwillimbury. I’m always pulling for our farmers in Ottawa.”
New Market Manager Alexa Paulos thanked former long-time manager Laura Vree for her efforts in growing the market over the years to help it become a must-see spot in the community.
“As many of you know, Bradford has grown a lot over the last 15 years welcoming new families,” said Paulos. “The Bradford Farmers’ Market is a place where we can gather, support one another, and get to know each other better. I hope it will continue to be a destination for families throughout the whole season and for many years to come.”
With the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses in the community over the last two years, Bradford Board of Trade President Jennifer Harrison emphasized the significance of hosting local markets.
“I’m so proud to represent the business community here, and all of these people here are small business owners—the original small business owners are farmers,” said Harrison. “I’m thrilled about the support you get from the community. This is a campus for the community to come together.”
Paulos was ecstatic about the turnout for the farmers’ market and to see the commitment to supporting local farmers and vendors.
“I’m so happy we could get the community and all these families out here and new people,” she said. “I’m happy we could have everyone together again after COVID. It’s amazing to see so many people support all the local talent we have here.”
Saskia Sloeserwij, owner of Say Cheese, was happy to see such a strong turnout at the market.
“It’s very nice,” said Sloeserwij. “We had a market last year, but it was a very small market, so it’s good to be back. It’s incredible to see so many people, people want to go out and buy local."
This was the first time Stephanie Lovat and Ali Plewa of E.F.T. Farms had participated in the Bradford Farmers’ Market, and they loved what they were seeing.
“I’m happy with it and I love it,” said Lovat. “I love doing markets and it’s our first time at this one and it’s really busy.”
Rick Nadeau, marketing and sales manager of Everything Maple, said it was amazing to be back for another season.
“This is my extended family,” he said. “The day I got married I did this market. Just to be out and about seeing faces again feels normal in a crazy time. It’s nice to see smiling faces, before the market you’d only see people on the internet, when you’re out and about you get to see everybody smiling.”
The Bradford Farmers’ Market will run every Saturday in the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library parking lot until Oct. 8.