June 1st, 2016 – Algoma Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 115th year in Sault Ste. Marie with a Rhubarb Festival on Saturday, June 4th, 2016. The festival will offer a variety of rhubarb goodies including jams, preserves, baked goods, recipe sharing, and the chance to win a rhubarb themed prize, all happening at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion in Sault Ste. Marie.
Algoma Farmers’ Market has existed in one form or another as a staple of Sault Ste. Marie’s local food movement for decades and has been a key player in the Sault’s downtown since its move to the Bondar Pavilion in the mid-1990s. “I’m thrilled for the summer season to commence for the Algoma Farmers’ Market, as we have a great mix of seasoned vendors with some new younger vendors joining us this year,” says Susan Wilding, Algoma Farmers’ Market President. “We take great pride in being a local, heritage market, at least half our vendors have been attending AFM for over 15 years. My husband and his cousin’s family roots go back to the 1920’s with their grandfather who had a huge market garden in the City’s west end. Several vendors will be offering great pies and breads, including the daughter of our former baker, Marjorie Monette. Alpaca products will also be available and of course, a huge selection of vegetables and fruits as the season progresses.”
Although the Market has experienced some shrinkage with vendors in recent years, it would appear to be on an upswing. New vendor Jessica Laidley is very excited to be part of the AFM family. “Participating in the market has been a long-time dream of mine, “ says Laidley. “I have been attending the market since I was a kid and to finally be on the other side of the table is an incredibly exciting opportunity. Algoma Farmers’ Market has a wonderful, welcoming feeling in the open-air environment not unlike some of the larger markets in larger cities, such as Kingston or Toronto. It really is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something so historic.”
Algoma Farmers’ Market operates June through October at the Bondar Pavilion every Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Beginning in July, the Market will also be open Wednesday afternoons from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. All products sold at AFM are guaranteed locally grown, made, or produced in the Algoma region ensuring the highest quality and lowest environmental impact. Algoma Farmers’ Market invites you to come and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the market and chat with the new vendors to see what they have to offer throughout the summer.
