Farmers’ market

Late and different start for Wellington in ninth year

The Wellington Farmers’ Market welcomed its first day of the 2020 season with a big splash on Saturday. For the first few hours at least from its new opening time of 9 a.m., the heavens opened. For those patrons and vendors who braved the raindrops and torrential downpours, the look and the feel of the lakeside market was different. Enforced health and safety measures ensured everyone remained safe, a one-way system was in place, volunteers were aplenty instructing and guiding patrons, along with plenty of hand sanitizing.

Maintaining physical distancing wasn’t much of an issue on this day with so few patrons, which will be limited to 50 people once the market gets busy. While the majority of visitors and merchants were donning masks and/or face shields (masks are mandatory this season), the humid day brought the challenge of foggy shields, and spectacle wearers faced steamed-up eye glasses. With vendors well-distanced from each other, it made browsing the market relaxing—even on the wettest day the County has seen in some considerable stretch of time. Spirits and positivity were high with merchants and individuals acknowledging how everyone was in the same boat, where finding the funny side of not being able to see clearly, or deciphering muffled conversation through a mask becomes a new normal as everyone gets accustomed to a different way of conducting business.

Now in its ninth year, the Wellington Farmers’ Market (countymarkets.ca), located in the parking lot of the United Church on Main Street, had its regular opening date of the Victoria Day long weekend delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is expected that it will run until the Thanksgiving long weekend. To cope with increased safety protocols, the market opens one hour later than usual at 9 a.m. every Saturday, running until 1 p.m.. The Wellington Farmers’ Market is one of two markets owned by Patricia McDermott of PEC Markets, Inc. with Market Manager Naz Karsan managing both. Their goal is to provide a market opportunity to support small businesses, allowing them a platform to generate revenue, build brand recognition, access more customers, as well as build professional relationships with other vendors.

“After months of deliberation, followed by a few weeks of intense planning, we opened on June 27 to a great response from the vendors, community and our visitors,” says Naz Karsan, Market Manager. “Public Health’s approval after their on-site inspection and Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson’s two thumbs-up, meant we were ready to go for the season.” While they were able to accommodate 66 vendors last year, COVID-19 restrictions to allow for appropriate six-foot distancing between vendor tents means capacity is limited to 38 vendors, with 29 of those returning vendors. Of the full-season vendors, 23 are farmers or offer food at the market, with the remainder made up of artisans and makers. The market will also host a rotation of occasional vendors throughout the season. Musical entertainment will continue to be a feature at the market, where musicians will play busker-style, usually 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gazebo in Wellington Park.

Christine Pawinski owner of Vinolicious was enjoying her first experience at the market as a new vendor. Married for 35 years and recently retired, she and husband, Waldemar, produce ‘sinfully delicious wine jellies’, designed to be eaten with cheese or meat, or simply enjoyed as is. “I learned how to make wine jelly off my grandmother, but back then there was red wine, that’s it, usually leftover; now I make it with Champagne, Prosecco and pinot gris,” explains Christine. “It was a lot of trial and error at the beginning; it’s not like making a jam because you have to factor in sulfates and all the other things in wine.” Originally from Toronto and now living in Carrying Place, they have called Prince Edward County home for six years. Where possible, she uses local wines, and everything is hand-crafted in small batches in her kitchen. With no sampling allowed at the market due to safety protocols, the challenge is how to tempt the public to buy their products when they can’t taste them.

Christine and Waldemar Pawinski of Vinolicious enjoying their experience at the market as a new vendor.

“That’s what draws them to the tent normally; they come and sample it, then buy it, so we will see how we do without the sampling.”

The Portland Bridge Pickling Society is in their tenth season in production, but it is their first season at the Wellington Farmers’ Market. “We are very excited to be celebrating 10 years in production and being at the market,” says Carol Ann Ross. “We do small-batch pickles, preserves and jellies, all with local ingredients and all produced right in Picton.” It was a new career for Ross when she moved to the County 10 years ago. “We try and use traditional recipes, but we have unique flavour combinations,” she says.

“This is actually my first market, my first day,” beams Camille Gillard of Hunny Bunch Candles. She began making 100 per cent pure Canadian beeswax candles and accessories last September using locallysourced beeswax from natural hives. “I love beeswax and I wanted to create my own that was just for me. Then when COVID hit, because I had free time, I decided to make them to sell online,” says Gillard. Originally from Montreal, she and husband Cody have been Picton residents for about three years. “When the market came up, I applied, so this was a hectic week to try and get everything in order.”

Another new face at the market and a newcomer to the County, Josée Chapman owns Junebugs. This seamstress and designer makes reusable snack bags, blankets, hooded towels, as well as gift sets where she designs the patterns herself. Originally from Barrie, the name of her company, Junebugs, was inspired by her three children who were all born in the month of June. “I thought the market would be a perfect opportunity to be able to sell my products,” says Chapman. “The organizers are so lovely and really great to deal with, and the vendors here are lovely, so it’s great.” She is hoping locals will support local. “It has such a wonderful atmosphere, I’m really glad to be here.”

Karsan asks anyone visiting the market this season to be respectful of health protocols, and to be kind to everyone, including vendors, staff and volunteers. “Our intent is to keep everybody safe and this will take everyone being diligent,” he says, noting they will continue to work closely with public health and the municipality. The market will have one entrance and one exit, maintaining a one-way flow of traffic. Hands will be sanitized upon entering the market, and there will be sanitizer available at the exit. Face masks or face shields are mandatory, and physical distancing practices must be maintained. Wellbehaved and leashed pets are allowed, bicycles are not. Market ambassadors will be on-site, along with new signage, to ensure patrons have a safe and enjoyable market experience. “We would love to have more volunteers to help occasionally as market ambassadors,” adds Karsan, who can be reached at info@countymarkets.ca or 647-822-7672.