Rajan Puri’s first season with Barrie Farmers’ Market won’t be his last.
Rise and Shine Farms, on County Road 90, was selling radishes, spinach, carrots and baby turnips Saturday, the downtown Barrie market’s last day outdoors in 2024.
Puri describes this year’s growing season as “it was all right, but not great.”
The experience of being at the Barrie Farmers’ Market, however, did bring a smile to his face.
“A lot of people come here,” said Puri. “It’s a great way to make a connection with people.”
Jaime Grant, the market’s development and operations manager, said that while Saturday was the last day of 2024 the BFM would be outdoors, it works well indoors in the Barrie City Hall Rotunda, also at 70 Collier St., beginning Oct. 19.
“We boast one of the largest true farmers markets in Ontario indoors with 40 vendors,” Grant said. “There are a lot of new vendors joining us inside.”
She noted the pumpkin carving contest is Oct. 26 and is open to the public.
“The artwork from all the groups is fantastic,” Grant said.
Barrie Farmers’ Market runs 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday, and is an opportunity to shop for fresh local produce and work from local artisans.
Thanksgiving also took over downtown Barrie Saturday ahead of turkey dinners.
Open Air Meridian Thanksgiving returned to the city’s core with a day of music, family art fun and local craft and food vendors in Meridian Place.
Interactive art stations were available for children and adults alike to get creative.
Local restaurants, cafes and shops were also offering seasonal specials to mark the Thanksgiving holiday -– and pumpkin spice was in season downtown.
