INNISFIL -- Farmers’ markets are popping up in communities across Ontario as the start of summer approaches.
On Thursday, the Innisfil Farmers’ Market officially opened for the season, returning to the south parking lot at the Innisfil Recreation Complex. The day included an array of artisans, community partners that included South Simcoe Police, Innisfil Fire & Rescue and the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's Butter Tart Festival, as well as a fundraising dunk tank.
Town staff and members of Innisfil council – including Mayor Lynn Dollin – took their turns in the tank, raising money for the Innisfil Food Bank and the Innisfil Arts, Culture, Heritage Council (IACHC).
The mayor had the perfect pitch to draw in participants: “OK, who got their tax bill recently? This is your chance!”
Coun. Ken Fowler even brought his own props, including a provocative sign that read, "You throw like a Golden State Warrior."
Both got dunked.
A variety of bakeries participated in the Butter Tart Festival, including Bruno’s Bakery and Café which did a brisk business, selling its classic and unique butter tarts.
“Maple syrup, brown sugar, butter – no cornstarch. We use a very clean recipe,” said Silvia Alonzi, who owns the Innisfil bakery and eatery with husband Bruno. She proudly held up the trophy that her Chocolate Butter Tarts won in Bowmanville for “Most Unique Tart.”
Farmers’ markets have become a part of a marketing strategy for the Alonzis. Silvia is on the road six days a week during the summer months – at the market in Bala on Monday, Gravenhurst on Wednesdays, Innisfil on Thursdays, Lake Rousseau on Fridays, Saturdays in Orillia, and Sundays in Georgina.
Bruno's is also on the Great Canadian Butter Tart Tour – and, on July 7, will be at the Butter Tart Festival in Niagara.
Down the aisle, Tammy Jackson of Sweet Annabella’s was selling an array of classic and unusual butter tarts.
“We have lots of new flavours,” said Jackson – including caramel macchiato, whiskey pecan, Oreo, and mai tai, a rum-soaked treat.
And Jaime Grant, at The Summer Oven Bakery, was quickly selling out of butter tarts and other treats and squares.
Grant has taken on the role of market manager for the Innisfil Farmers’ Market. She was delighted with the turnout on opening day, both with the response from the community and steady flow of customers, and with the range of vendors.
“We have a great cross-section of all kinds of things, which is what Innisfil is,” she said.
The Innisfil Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday from 1-6 p.m. at the Innisfil Recreation Complex.
