The Innisfil Farmers' Market is enforcing COVID-19 safety measures.
Masks must be worn, physical distancing and directional arrows are in place, and hand-sanitizer is available as shoppers enter the market space. There are also limits on the number allowed within the confines of the market at one time, and a ban on events such as last year’s popular Pie-Eating contest.
But Market Manager Jaime Grant is still looking for ways to engage the public and has now come up with a Back-to-School Art Challenge for kids.
The subject? “Your favourite memory from the longest school vacation Canadian kids have ever had!” Grant said, noting it can be completed in any medium, and any size.
There will be three age categories: 5 and under; 6 to 12, and 13 to 18.
Artwork should be dropped off at the market entrance tent in the south parking lot of the Innisfil Recreation Complex by 4 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 27. Anyone who wants their artwork back must return by 6 p.m., to pick it up.
What will the winners receive? “Bragging rights, and a gift of an art kit to the winners of each category,” said Grant. “Best of luck to the little artists! Let’s get them creative while they are at home.”
This may be a shortened season for the Innisfil Farmers’ Market – the opening was delayed by COVID-19 fears, and the last day is Oct. 8 – but it has also been one of the most successful markets to date.
In fact, this past Thursday at the Innisfil Recreation Complex was “the best week ever,” said Grant.
Approximately 350 people attended in the first hour or so, lining up patiently and social distancing as they waited their turn to purchase home baking, fresh produce, European and organic meats, artisanal crafts, Pillitteri Wines and more.
Rosie’s Meat Pies sold out all of their large and medium-sized pies and quiches.
Grant, who operates The Summer Oven Bakery, sold out of her award-winning butter tarts and other treats – including her latest experiment, Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese tarts), made from a “complicated” recipe.
“Oh, man. It’s been amazing,” said Rob Radcliffe, of Lakeview Gardens garden centre.
The Innisfil Farmers’ Market is open from 1 to 6 p.m., every Thursday at the Innisfil Recreation Complex, and Fridays at Cookstown’s Tanger Outlet Mall.
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