Bronx Park Farmers’ Market is thriving

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/07/2020 (2218 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Bronx Park Farmer’s Market at 720 Henderson Hwy. has been operating since the first Saturday in June and has become the hot spot each weekend in this end of town.

Without festivals, concerts, sports or out-of-town travel, the market has seen many more customers come through each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This has also prompted many new vendors to join the seasoned veterans such as Zhoda, Fairlane and Loewen Family Farms.

Karen Foods has been selling homemade spice mixes such as ras el hanout, which contains almost 30 ingredients from Anise to zerishk; RK Specialty Foods has been selling handcrafted Chap’s peanut butter and Hawaiian style baking; and Apple Blossom Farms has been bringing locally roasted coffee and gourmet honeys.

Returning from last year are Kookum’s Pantry, with their giant bannock, and Icelandic baker Fundar’s, with their large selection of pies, cookies, and traditional favourites.

There also seems to be more home decor, jewelry, pet supplies, artwork and woodwork to choose from each week. By the Hand of Gord remains a constant with his mobile knife-sharpening business.

Although the community centre has been closed, other than for washrooms, the market has been growing. The new protocols require patrons to enter at one point close to the community centre and to follow a path to maintain social distancing. This slows down the process a bit for customers wanting to grab an item and exit but it does make sure every vendor is seen by guests.

The local artist known as Purple has been selling the most amazing, colourful paintings over the past few years and has enjoyed seeing the large increase in visitors; Shrugging Doctor has upped the number of bottles it brings and has lots of fresh, locally made wines including red and white sangrias, and bright red cranberry wine.

Fairlane Farms have added to their menu as well. Known for their roasts, steaks and sausages, the Winkler-based farm is now operating a barbecue where you can get hot food to go. They have also added two new types of sausages, including a beef-pork blend and a jalapeno sausage. These come in extra-long tube style or in patty form.

Vegetables are coming in droves now and Loewen Family Farm will be moving closer to the exit to provide extra spacing for its lineups.

The market would like to remind everyone to be patient with vendors and other customers as the season progresses.  

Please send all inquiries to bronxparkfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Evan Comstock is a community correspondent for East Kildonan.