Begin your summer weekend at a farmers’ market

 

NEWMARKET – Looking for a fun way to start your summer day?  Want to make locally-grown fruit and vegetables part of your diet?  Start your day this Saturday at one of York Region’s farmers’ markets.

 

“Our residents enjoy the benefits of living in or near the countryside,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch.  “Chief among those benefits is having immediate access to farmers’ markets where genuine farmers bring their produce for sale and local residents sell their crafts and baking.”

 

Locally-grown fruit and vegetables are fresh and safe to eat.  Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, vendors at each farmers’ market are assessed and inspected for health hazards.  All food items for sale at these markets must comply with the Act.

 

“There is no better way to enjoy the bounty of our local farmers,” said the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee Chair James Young, Mayor of the Town of East Gwillimbury.  “Eating local, fresh produce and buying locally-made products and crafts are excellent ways to support our local economy.”

 

Located in Aurora, Markham and Newmarket, farmers’ markets feature locally-grown produce, crafts and baking.

 

The Newmarket Farmers' Market is a producer-based market located in the heart of historic Newmarket.  Located on Timothy Street just east of Main Street, the market is open every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. until October 27th.  On average, more than 800 shoppers per day buy farm fresh produce, home-made baking and hand-made crafts from about 30 vendors throughout the season.

 

A community service tent serves a roster of local groups, who deliver a full calendar of special events, including live music, face painting, clowns and horse drawn wagon rides through downtown Newmarket, starting and ending at the market.  Master Gardeners are on hand all season long to answer gardening questions.  See www.newmarketfarmersmarket.com for more information.

 

The Farmers' Market of Old Markham Village captures the good, old fashioned traditions of the past.  Every Saturday until October 6th, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the turn-of-the-century look of the main street market that is enhanced by old fashioned signs and canopies comes alive with farm fresh products, including organically grown vegetables and fruit, as well as baked goods, preserves, flowers and much more.

 

The Market is located at Robinson Street and Main Street in the heart of Old Markham Village, just two traffic lights north of Highway 7 off Markham Road.  Ample free parking is available behind many of the retail shops along Main Street.  See www.mainstreetmarkham.com for more information.

 

The Aurora Farmers’ Market features local vendors selling fruit, vegetables, meat products, plants, herbs, flowers, homemade baking and arts and crafts.  While showcasing local Aurora vendors and the goods they have to offer, the market is viewed as a wonderful place for Aurora residents to enjoy a visit with neighbours and friends.

 

Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until Thanksgiving Day weekend, the Aurora Farmers’ Market is located in the Temperance Street parking lot at the intersection of Wellington Street and Temperance Street in the Town of Aurora.  See www.e-aurora.ca for more information.

 

Whether shopping in a grocery store or a farmers’ market, consumers should remember to practice safe food handling, such as frequent hand washing, when handling, preparing and serving food to reduce the risk of contracting food-borne illnesses, such as Salmonella.

 

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Media Contact: Tim Paleczny, Corporate Communications, York Region
 Phone: 905 830-4444 ext. 1238, 416 297-9696 or Toll free 1-877-464-9675
 Cell Phone: 905 251-6413  Email: tim.paleczny@york.ca