Waterdown Farmers’ Market Announces May 29th Re-Opening for 2021 Season at Waterdown’s Memorial Park5/7/2021 The Waterdown Farmers’ Market is set to return for the 2021 season on Saturday, May 29 at a new, temporary location at Memorial Park. This is exciting news for the 20-plus local farm vendors and small batch producers who are anxious to return to Market this year.
“A lot of work has gone into developing a re-opening plan that will allow the Waterdown Farmers’ Market to operate safely under COVID-19 guidelines,” says Cheri Demenna, Chair of the Waterdown Farmers’ Market Committee. “We, along with the entire community, really missed the Market in 2020 and are looking forward to seeing visitors reconnect with their favourite local farmers. We are thankful for the support received from the City of Hamilton and Public Health to make this happen.” 2021 marks the eighth season for the Waterdown Farmers’ Market in its current format, but the temporary move to Memorial Park in 2021 is a nod to the Waterdown Farmers’ Market’s original roots. In the early 50s and beyond, gathering weekly at the park for the Farmers’ Market was a major social event. Local farmers drove to town to offer their bounty of fresh, homegrown farm products to an enthusiastic and grateful community. Over the decades, the location and format of the Market has changed. This year, it will look different again with COVID-19 modifications including mandatory masks and physical distancing but, the spirit of sharing, supporting and celebrating local agriculture remains. “As a long-time supporter of the Waterdown Farmers’ Market, I am very pleased to see it come to Waterdown Memorial Park this year,” says Ward 15 Flamborough City Councillor, Judi Partridge. “Farmers and agriculture are an important part of the Waterdown/Flamborough community’s heritage and economy. I appreciate the extraordinary efforts of the Waterdown BIA and City staff to support the return of the Market.” The Waterdown Farmers’ Market is scheduled to operate Saturday mornings between 8 AM and 1 PM in the east half of the Memorial Park parking lot, from opening day through to mid-October. Vendor offerings will include fresh produce, small batch prepared foods, Ontario VQA wines, cider and more. The Waterdown Farmers’ Market is not a resellers’ market – offerings are grown and/or made by local farmers and producers. The Waterdown Farmers’ Market is supported by the Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) and is made possible in 2021 thanks to the generous contribution of presenting sponsor, and BIA member, Heritage Realty. “We believe that supporting local farmers helps the environment, the economy and is better for our health,” says Marcel Leclerc, broker of record, Heritage Realty. “Heritage Realty is grateful to be in a position to support the Farmers’ Market. These markets allow us to build vibrant and connected communities by joining consumers and local food producers and farmers in one convenient location.” Farmers’ Markets are able to open as essential services. Ensuring strict adherence to Public Health guidelines is critical to help stop the transmission of COVID-19. To protect the safety of everyone at the Waterdown Farmers’ Market, visitors will be required to wear a mask and enter from the designated entrance gate. Until such time as COVID-restrictions ease, some Market programs like the interactive kids’ corner and the market eating area will not be available. “Everyone is excited to get back to enjoying more usual summer activities and the reopening of the Farmers’ Market is a positive step in that direction,” adds Demenna, who is also a local business co-owner and a board director of the Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area. “Our hope is that we continue on a positive trajectory and we ask Market patrons to do their part by understanding and cooperating with the rules… and to support all local businesses. Plan for a fun, full and safe Saturday that includes a Market visit, stops at your beloved retailers, followed by takeout or lunch on a local restaurant patio when allowed. You can have it all in Waterdown Village.”
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For questions about the Market please contact: Adam Neumann Market Manager 289-260-6841 farmersmarket@waterdownvillage.ca |
For information about the Waterdown Village, contact: 289-260-1261 info@waterdownvillage.ca Visit the Waterdown Village website at waterdownvillage.ca |