OHSWEKEN – Balmy weather, great music and cheerful energy filled the air as the Six Nations Outdoor Farmer’s Market opened on Saturday.
Established in 2010, this year marks not only the 5th market season, but also some important changes, including a more spacious venue.
“We are for the first time ever at 2676 Fourth Line beside the Greenhouse, which everyone has come to know as the Greenhouse behind Big Six.” said Our Sustenance Project Coordinator Adrianne Lickers. “All of our services are going to be out of this location. The market, the offices, the Good Food Box – most of what we do is out of this laneway. For us to have everything in one space is amazing.”
Customers explored the market’s new digs as they meandered from one vendor to the next. Vocalist Crystal Bomberry treated the crowds to some music while they enjoyed a fine selection of fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, health and wellness products, and arts and crafts.
In addition to the usual market offerings, the Our Sustenance Greenhouse just next to the market was holding a plant sale – offering beautiful homegrown vegetable, fruit and flower seedlings for a fraction of the cost that one might pay at commercial greenhouses. Seedlings sold for as low as $1 each, while large planters filled with different types of blooms went for just $15.
“We always have the plant sale going on for the first couple of markets, but we’re really careful to remind people to watch the weather when planting,” Lickers shared, adding that Our Sustenance staff and volunteers will wait until June 6th to plant in the community garden to avoid frost. The community garden – still located behind Sunrise Court in Ohsweken – is another one of the services offered by the Our Sustenance Program. Community members are welcome to get involved in the garden and learn how to grow, care for and harvest their own produce.
A new location for the market also means more opportunities for local farmers, Lickers says.
“We now have more space for vendors, which is one of the benefits because we are always looking for more vendors, more farmers. People who have a garden and who have extra are also welcome to come and sell.”
The vendor fee at the Six Nations Farmer’s Market is affordable – just $5 to set up shop for the day.
Community members who wish to be involved in the market or community garden are welcome to call Lickers at 519-445-2011. Or simply show up, she says. “If you’re not sure or you can’t get a hold of me, just come by. Saturday mornings, I’m here at 8 a.m.”
