Farmers Market National Symposium

This month, an important and very special event pertaining to the future of Farmers Markets nationwide will take place in the Greater Moncton Area. The Moncton Farmers Market Co-op on John Street will play host to representatives from every Farmers Market across Canada on October 24th and 25th. This unique get-together will commence with a harvest dinner that will take place on October 24th at the Rotary Lodge in Centennial Park.

The purpose of this meeting is a landmark attempt to create universal policies nationwide with a view to protecting the rights of the individual vendor from community to community, and to arrive at a clear mandate under which each Farmers Market can operate no matter how small or large a centre it serves.

One of the main organizers behind this historic event is Kim Taylor of Stephen Taylor’s Farm, an important vendor at the John Street Farmers Co-operative. As a participant in the Farmers Market venue over the years, Kim, along with her husband, Stephen, brings a hands-on approach to this event. Well versed in the concerns of the local entrepreneur and small business person, Kim says, "This attempt to bring all the Farmers Markets in Canada under a standard governing policy is a ‘first’ in our nation, and we hope to have a true meeting of minds with a consensus by April, 2007."

The Farmers Market Report will keep its readership appraised of new rules and regulations and convey any changes to the operation of area Farmers Markets as they occur, so be sure to check out our site periodically as this undertaking progresses.

Rock Art

Rock Art is the decoration of stones and rocks using their unique shapes and sizes to transform them into new existences far removed from those of their origins. Round rocks become a quaint frog family resting on flat rocks painted to look like lily pads complete with little lady bugs made from small pebbles. Flat stones morph into pansies that can rival real ones, and large round rocks are painted to look like pumpkins that can take their place beside the real ones in your vegetable basket! Rock art is a triumph of trompe d’oeil!

Rock Art is the creation of area artists Joyce Noel and Joan Bond. Both are skilled and highly talented craftswomen. Joyce Noel has had years of experience in various artistic mediums and is a teacher of tole painting and folk painting. Joan Bond is a former student of Joyce and an artist in her own right. They both got the idea for their venture together when Joan introduced Joyce to a book on rock art – and the rest is history! Utilizing the use of colour, shading, and flair to each piece, this team has brought their art to a point of perfection producing objects of true whimsy and extraordinary beauty.

Rock Art is the decoration of stones and rocks using their unique shapes and sizes to transform them into new existences far removed from those of their origins. Round rocks become a quaint frog family resting on flat rocks painted to look like lily pads complete with little lady bugs made from small pebbles. Flat stones morph into pansies that can rival real ones, and large round rocks are painted to look like pumpkins that can take their place beside the real ones in your vegetable basket! Rock art is a triumph of trompe d’oeil!

Their rock eggs-in-a-basket is just perfect for a kitchen table centrepiece or counter-top accent, and their clay tray of cacti will add a delightful surprise to any indoor garden. Joyce has a charming village of rock cottages that add a touch of country charm to decor, displayed individually or in a cluster for table-top or shelf. The perfect gift for the person who has everything, make Rock Art a special treat for yourself or a surprise for family and friends – they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day!

Contact Joyce or Joan at (506) 386-6656, or visit them at the Marché Moncton Market where they’ll be one week each in October and November and twice in December. Among the finest craftspeople our area has to offer, Joyce and Joan can be proud indeed of the excellent standard and quality of their work. Seek out the offerings of Rock Art – you’ll be charmed, delighted, and surprised!

Meet Me at the Moncton Market!

October is discount month at the Marché Moncton Market. Clip-out coupons were published in the Times & Transcript on Friday, October 6, for special savings at selected kiosks. Visit your area markets this month for a plethora of great buys. See you at the market!

Glengarry Foods

Farmers markets offer a veritable cornucopia of excellent food ideas with unusual and interesting fare that is home-cooked, fresh, and delicious, often rivalling the wide variety of menu offerings found at the numerous restaurant establishments in the Greater Moncton Area.

At the Marché Moncton Market, Glengarry Foods is well-known for serving wonderful breakfasts cooked on the spot to marketgoers keen on enjoying an unhurried amble through the aisles while munching on a hot and satisfying breakfast sandwich.

Glengarry Foods is owned by small business entrepreneur Tammy Maillet whose Saturday morning foray into the world of the farmers markets is her "fun" job! :I love the positive energy of the market atmosphere and the terrific people I meet weekend mornings at the market," says Tammy as she busily flips eggs and butters toast. Indeed, her kiosk at the market is a busy spot filled with patrons who enjoy her famous breakfast sandwich consisting of eggs, ham or bacon, and cheese served on a cheesy bun. Other choices include eggs and toast sandwiches, deluxe French toast, fresh fruit smoothies, fresh fruit parfaits, and crepes all made from scratch using only the finest ingredients.

Tammy Maillet is a busy person. "I home-school my children and babysit others. I take care of a total of five children during the week and that’s a full-time job in itself." No doubt her small business at the market is a great way to connect with people, indulge in the creative process, and provide the weekend market crowd with excellent food. Next time you’re at the market, treat yourself to a first-class breakfast at Glengarry Foods. Order Tammy’s famous breakfast sandwich with a fruit smoothie and enjoy!