Get a break from the chaos of the construction:
visit the Main Farmers’ Market at the Canadian Museum of Nature
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (until October 29)
As spring arrives in the capital, it marks the beginning of another season for the Main Farmers’ Market.
The market is beginning its second year in temporary quarters outside the Canadian Museum of Nature. It relocated there for the 2015 and 2016 seasons during the city’s Main Street renewal project.
Vendors and clients look forward to returning to Main Street and Old Ottawa East in 2017. Meanwhile, after a great Year One at its temporary home, the market is awaiting a fabulous Year Two.
In 2016, vendors will bring fresh produce, meats, bakery goods and craft work right to the centre of the city. The market flanks the main entrance of the museum. Clients can do their shopping and then explore the museum’s new exhibits and gardens.
The market offers a fresh and tranquil oasis from the construction of Main Street.
Its organizing team hopes their trusted clients from the neighbourhood will find their way to the museum location to continue to connect with favourite vendors and products.
“Last year was a good year for the market. We were thrilled to meet lots of new clients from the museum area, but we were surprised that many of our regular customers didn’t make the move to the new location,” said Christine MacIntyre, MFM board member. “Our goal for 2016 is to reach out to our core client base and bring them out to the market by offering new programming, great products and that wonderful community atmosphere that makes our market so special.”
The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until October 29.
This season, the market team will be organizing special events with guest chefs and nutritionists, theme days, family entertainment and food tastings. Updated information about weekly features and special events will be available on the market website and on social media.
This is a critical year for the market as it prepares to transition back to Main Street in 2017. The vendors and market team rely on your support and the success of the market this year will help to ensure a vibrant market in Old Ottawa East after construction is completed.
More importantly, an investment in your community market is an investment in your family’s health. Market managers Greer Knox and David Coyne look forward to welcoming you to the market and helping you discover the flavours and benefits of fresh and local food.
Special Events at the Main Farmers’ Market at the Museum
June – Berry Season!
June 11 – Strawberry Social at the Market and new dinosaur exhibit opens at the Museum
June 18 – Landscapes of Canada Garden opening weekend at the Museum
June 25 – “School is out for Summer” kids celebration at the Market (music, bouncy castle, face painting)
July – Salad Days
July 2 – Day after Canada Day at the Market
July 30 – Salad Days Celebration – Get to know your Greens at the Market
August – You say ‘Tomato’
August 27 – Tomato Fest: Varietal Sampling at the Market
September – Harvest Bounty
September 10 – Corn Fest and chili cook-off at the Market
October – Stock up for Winter
October 1 – Apple Fest at the Market
October 15 – Garlic Fest / Squash Fest at the Market
October 29 – Costume themed charity event at the Market
Website: www.mainfarmersmarket.org
Twitter: @mainfarmmarkott
Instagram: mainmarketottawa
