Withrow Park Farmers Market
Withrow Park (1 block south of Danforth Avenue, between Logan and Carlaw)
Saturdays, 9am - 1pm
May 24th – October 25th
A relative newcomer to the market scene, the market at Withrow Park, now in its second year has quickly become a favourite of Riverdale area residents. With 16 vendors at peak season, the focus at this market is on organic.
“Vendors need to be either Ontario farmers, preferably using organic cultivation practices, and specialty food vendors using local, organic and/or fair trade ingredients whenever possible,” says market organizer Roberta Stimac.
The list of vendors offer a cross-section of items such as honey from Bees Universe; yogurt, cheese and lamb from Best Baa Farms; bread from St. John’s Bakery as well as produce from vendors like Plan B Organics, Ted Thorpe, Grassroot Organics and Fun Guy Farms.
Started as a community initiative to provide opportunities for farmers, the market has also become a gathering space for the community at the same time. Stimac explains, “City parks in densely populated neighbourhoods, like the larger Riverdale area, are a natural fit for farmers markets, and offer another opportunity for the use of a public space for the purpose of community development and strengthening.”
To further involve the community, the market hosts seasonal events throughout the year, such as their Spring Fling (which took place yesterday, their opening day) and the Urban Heirloom Harvest Fest in September. There are also kids activities during the special events, and acoustic musical performances throughout the season.
Like most outdoor markets, the Withrow Park Farmers Market takes place rain or shine, so Stimac encourages customers to come out and support the farmers regardless of the weather, “the farmers are still there with their fantastic harvest.”
