Oakville Organic Farmers' Market

Harbourside Organic Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor application.

Call 905.825.8966
Please click here for more information

Harbourside Organic Market is open till 30 th October 2010 every Saturday 9.30 am- 2pm

These Giant Pumpkins grow up to 800 pounds!!

They’re great for Halloween events, arts events, house decorations and more!

There are about a dozen of these monsters so book early.

Shopping for fresh vegetables, fruits, baked products, coffee, organic soaps and lots more at downtown Oakville… Join us at
9.30 AM – 2:00 PM DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE, CENTENNIAL SQUARE
(Lakeshore Rd & Navy St in front of downtown library)

Fun Times at the Harbourside Organic Market

Thanks to technical difficulties, and computer glitches, this blog is being posted later than I would have liked… (Mic P)

Arrived at the market to find a party atmosphere in full effect, so I quickly turned on the camera, and hoped to capture the music and the mood before it died off.

There was singing, dancing, laughing, and organic produce? Hey, this is what I love about this market, you never know what you are going to get.

Always expect the unexpected.

But most importantly, always expect awesome produce, grown by amazing people, so that our families can eat healthy, and GMO free!

Please keep supporting this market, it helps bring people together, and has helped make Oakville healthier and happier.

Mic P

Enjoy the video!

The second week of the market has come and gone, but it was another great Saturday.

Well, the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, but that has become somewhat of a trend this weird and wacky spring/summer.

No biggie though, the market was hopping, with people scurrying from the rain, and hiding under soaking tents, making purchases for the most amazing stuff.

Tip Of The Week: The Sundried Tomato and Asiago bread from the Market Coop booth (The coop booth sells products from farmers/producers who can’t get to the market themselves). I’m talking soft, sweet and delicious bread, tastier than you can ever imagine, and far too delicious to really be put into words. This is by far the best bread I can remember eating in a long, long, long time.

Entertainment was provided by the unique and brilliant mind of the talented Ian Reid (see video attached), and for the second week in a row, the talent was top tier.

Weather is the one thing in this world you can’t control, and once you come to truly understand this, you can learn to deal with anything mother nature throws at us.

At least we have the market, right?!

Harbourside Organic Farmers Market Vendors

It was a good start to Market season this past Saturday.  Since it was so hot and muggy, we were thankful that the sun was obscured by clouds and also didn’t rain us out!

Our first stop was to Ravenstone where we purchased 2 bunches of rhubarb.  We still haven’t decided what to do with it but I’m think a pie will be in order.  

Ravenstone

We made our way to the other end of the market where my husband enjoyed a fine cup of coffee from Eltoro Coffee and we bought 2 pounds of their coffee beans (decaf and a dark roast).   We were then enticed by the delicious scents emanating from Enfleurage Organics, makers of organic soap.  We bought a bar of their dog shampoo, seeing as how our own dog is in dire need of some fresh scent.  I was delighted to hear that a portion of the proceeds from the dog soap go to Project Maddie, a local pet food bank helping pet owners at risk of losing their pets due to sudden, short term financial instability.  In these uncertain times, I’ve no doubt Project Maddie offers an invaluable service.

We bought mustard greens and radishes from The Fresh Veggies and had a nice chat with vendors Ruth and Mohammed.  The greens and the radishes were delicious!  I am looking forward to more produce from The Fresh Veggies.

Michelle Gatien - The Market Cook

This lady is Michelle Gatien, she is the Market Cook.  She whipped us up a couple of tasty breakfast burritos that hit the spot! 

As we were leaving, we heard some fine music by Kim and Frank Koren – they were playing an old John Prine song, one of my favourites, Angel From Montgomery.  A farmers market is never complete without some good music.

Kim & Frank Koren

Glo Bakery - Wholesome Food Made Fun

Opening day at the Harbourside Organic Market started with a bang, and by bang, I’m talking thunderclap.

Though the weather tried to put a damper on things, it didn’t damper the spirits at the market, as people eagerly flocked to the market on the real first day of summer.

Due to our crazy spring weather, and odd climate change, 4 of the 7 farmers were unable to make it to opening day, but no matter, things were still hopping at the market, with tons of new booths, awesome new products and services, and lot’s of new and familiar faces.

It was a long eight months, man, been waiting for this forever, and I’m happy to say it did not dissapoint!

Tip Of The Week:

The Millionaire’s Shortbread from Van Rae Woodcrafts, Baking and Condiments booth. 

I’m talking mouthwatering chocolate, sweet and sticky caramel, backed by a smooth, buttery shortbread crunch.

Yum!

It was nice to hear Kim and Frank Koren playing at the market, they are a very talented duo, with great soul stirring songs, and are always a pleasure to the senses.

On another note:

The ironic things with the farmers not being able to make it to opening day, is that it helped focus people’s attention on all the great new booths, and on all the fantastic informative booths.

Case in point:

 (From Environmental Health Consulting, www.annestewart.net)

Vinegar Cleaner – (hard surfaces, countertops, walls, floors, windows, mirrors.)

Ingredients:

1 cup water

2 tbsp. vinegar

1/2 tsp pure vegetable liquid soap

a few drops of essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients.

2. Put the solution in a spray bottle.

3. Spray and wipe surfaces.

It was a great start to the summer, and I look forward to spending every Saturday morning at the Harbourside Organic Market!

Mic P, June 21, 2010

http://thecompassionexperiment.blogspot.com

The Market opens at 9:30 a.m.  See you there!