BY
BILL BRADLEY
Many people think the Downtown Farmers' Market has few, if any,
local producers and vendors, yet nothing could be further from
the truth.
"Of the 36 permanent vendors at the market, 90 percent are
local, whether they are selling homegrown produce or handmade
goods," said Rob Stevenson, market manager.
"That's really why our market takes awhile to get going in the spring and early summer because northern produce is produced in a shorter growing season than in southern Ontario. We also feature a lot of local artists and entertainers to draw the crowds we need such as at the recent Fall Fair and the Week of the Child event. I find those events also will attract five to 10 extra vendors, again mostly local," said Stevenson.
Maureen Luoma, executive director of Downtown Sudbury, says
while some vendors do buy their raw materials from elsewhere,
they add value by drawing consumers downtown.
"The important thing to remember when you buy at the market
you are supporting our local small business people right in the
downtown location. Often market customers, after visiting us,
will wander off to browse and buy at the other shops and stores
or sample restaurants downtown," she said.
Stevenson and Luoma say they can prove Market Square is locally
based.
"Our local produce vendors are Beaulieu Farms (local
potatoes and corn), Thibeault Marsh Farms (vegetables), MJ
Wagler Farms (eggs, cheese, Mennonite sausage) and the Leach
family which sells local produce.
"Then there are the local greenhouse operators, Freskiw
Farms and Holla's Produce and Greenhouse. Local value added
vendors include Jo's Crafts (home-made jams), Sudbury Bee
Supply (honey), Old Rock Roasting (fresh roasted coffee), Sweet
Nothings (baked goods, breads and pies) and Sudbury's own
Perogy Princess (perogies, baked goods and jams)," said
Stevenson.
"There are also local food vendors such as Lichee Gardens,
Fazoolie's Panni & Pasta, Umai Japanese Restaurant,
Caribbean Delights and Gerry's Best Sausages.
"So how can people say there is nothing local here? Hey come on down and see for yourself. You might see some familiar faces behind the tables," said Stevenson.
