A sure sign that summer is just around the corner is the start of the Liberty Village Farmers’ Market season. This year’s market starts this Sunday, June 5th from 9am – 2pm.
They will have some old favourites including:
Sun Ray
“We’re a family owned and operated farm that now spans four generations. My grandfather started in 1942 with 17 acres. Today we grow a variety of tender fruits, berries and vegetables on 225 acres,” says Larry Short. For Larry, “selling at market was a really memorable experience” from his youth, so he and his wife Tammy have renewed the tradition: they sell at market 5 days per week, sharing the work with their 5 kids. While their children gain valuable experience and life skills, the Short family’s customers return for the taste. Their Premier’s award-winning raspberries, available 8 months of the year, are popular palate-pleasers!
Products
lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, melons, radishes, potatoes, apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries, home-made fruit pies, tarts, muffins and fritters.
Van Hart
John VanHart became one of Holland Marsh’s pioneers when he immigrated to Canada in 1947 & started VanHart Farms. John became involved in the research & development of farming in Holland Marsh & in 1975, his son Ron joined the business and they formed Ontario’s largest producer of iceberg & romaine lettuce. Since then, they have continued to research organic farming practices & now farm an acre of greenhouses & 10 acres of field crops, which produce vegetables from May to December – a business Ron describes as “challenging but rewarding.”
Products
24 varieties of tomatoes (including heirloom), 25 varieties of vegetables (including heirloom), edible flowers, rooted herbs, cut lilies
Thames River Melons
Thames River Melons began in 1984 with an acre of cantaloupe. Today, the 500 acre farm is owned and operated by Rob and Maria Chesney and their children Alex (Nathan), Luke, Grant, and Ella. Along with family, friends, and neighbours they grow and sell a wide variety of produce ranging from asparagus and rhubarb to strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries (including pick your own), watermelon, cantaloupe, and many different vegetables.
Products
Familiar & specialty melons, berries, tomatoes, vegetables, melon blossom honey
De La Terre Bakery
Specializing in organic artisan breads and pastries made in-house.
Chef Jan Campbell-Luxton, owner and proprietor, has worked in professional kitchens in Canada and internationally since 1996. He trained at the Stratford Chefs School, then stayed on for several years there as a teacher.
de la terre is deeply committed to foregrounding locally produced foods and their producers, as well as encouraging consumer support of organic and sustainable agricultural practices. In this spirit, we use biodegradable and compostable take-out containers, cutlery, and napkins. We purchase our flour and produce from small independent farmers wherever possible.
…and much much more.
In addition to the farmer vendors, there will be a variety of local Liberty Village shops offering ready to eat foods and treats using market ingredients.
As a reminder, the Liberty Village Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday from June 5th – November 27, 9am – 2pm in the Green P parking lot
A few years ago, in 2011, I discovered Liberty Village. This neighbourhood changed gradually from a former industrial park to a place where people could live, work, play, and do some shopping, and you could easily get there by public transit, particularly the TTC. The 63 Ossington bus runs from Eglinto West station (and also stops at Ossington station). Also, you could also take the the “504 King”, “509 Harbourfront” or the “511 Bathurst” streetcar routes to get there. This neighbourhood has a pleasant little armers’ market, which runs on Sundays from the beginning of June through to the end of November. The vendors at the market sell fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, wine, and other products. Sometimes, there is a busker or two entertaining visitors.