The Little Italy Farmers’ Market appeared just as the area was “ripe for retail,” says Lori Mellor of the Preston Street BIA.
The market finishes its first full season on Thanksgiving weekend, giving west Centretowners one last chance to stock their pantries with local fare.
After a season that has been deemed sucessful by organizers, Mellor says the market will be back next year.
The absence of a major grocery store is becoming more apparent as the population grows in Little Italy.
The retail gap inspired the creation of a farmers’ market, says Mellor.
However, she thinks the local focus will keep residents coming, even if a grocery store appears.
Tyler Smith and Laurel McIvor moved to Little Italy in July.
They have been buying produce at the market since discovering it while strolling about the neighbourhood one Saturday morning.
If they want local or organic groceries during the week, they have to trek to the Herb and Spice on Bank Street.
“There’s really just about everything you’d look for,” said Smith as he feasted on a market breakfast.
“The more we can do to keep it here, the better.”
Cora Beking, owner of Bekings Poultry, rose with the sun almost every market day this summer to prepare the six-dollar breakfast showcasing a variety of vendor products. It was so successful, that one morning she fed 54 hungry shoppers.
“This is a growing market,” Beking says, and one she plans on returning to next year.
Bekings Poultry sells at several other farmers’ markets in town or nearby, but Beking says the Little Italy location is one of the “friendliest and most community oriented markets” she’s ever come across.
Chris Penton is the man behind the market’s first season, fresh from managing the Vanier Farmers’ Market.
“I feel a real tie to the Centretown area,” says Penton. “Little Italy screams food.”
Penton estimates the market draws 200 to 300 people each Saturday, 90 per cent arriving on foot and the other 10 per cent in cars.
The market has “had some growing pains,” it attracts fewer producers and shoppers than markets such as Byward or Parkdale, but Mellor says the BIA is optimistic.
“If we’re growing organic food, we’ve got to expect our market to grow organically as well,” she explains.
Plans for next year include a later start date, of June instead of May. Mellor says there wasn’t enough produce ripe by May for it to be worth the early start.
The BIA is also considering a permanent location for the market on Young Street, just off Preston Street. Mellor hopes a more central location paired with more advertising will result in a better turnout.
However, Mellor says “the farmers are happy,” and making a profit so far.
“It’s a no brainer, we’ll be here next year.”
The BIA is planning a potential Christmas market in December.