The Farmer's Market

Every Thursday there is a small, but wonderful, farmer's market in Lunenburg. It is held in a gym-type space and during it's high season, is over flowing with vendors of all sorts. 

When you first arrive, you are greeted by the aroma of Laughing Whale coffee brewing and the visual of bright and fresh veggies and sprouts from a local farmer. Don't risk looking to the right though. If you do, you will come head on with some of the most incredible baked goods. I am guessing the baker is Parisian...but I haven't found out his story yet. He makes breads, croissants, brioche and so much more. Today I let down my guard and bought a brioche to share with my baby girl. It was perfect.

If you continue on, you quickly encounter another incredible spread of baked goods. 'Baked goods' doesn't do these creations justice. The bread is twisted and shaped in a way that can only be called 'art'. This stand also has quiche and something like a croissant with custard and chocolate inside. They are almost too pretty to eat....almost. 

There is a seafood stand, of course, a butcher of sorts, beeswax candles, beautifully dyed yarn and one of my favourite vendors-the lovely man who makes apple cider. His containers aren't labelled,so I can't even tell you his business name...but his cider is incredible. We buy the low to no sugar added cider and it is delicious. If you return his container to him, he gives you 25 cents back and seems so pleased that you would think to save the container for him. Sometimes it's the little things.

Another neat thing about this market is that it's located right next door to the primary (also known as kindergarten) to grade 9 school, Bluenose Academy. One particular teacher, who happens to be my husband, brings his French class to experience the market every week. What a wonderful thing to show these kids, some of whom would have never gone otherwise. Most of them bring a few dollars and get a brioche or a small bottle of cider and then wander around until it's time to head back to class.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around why the market is held on a Thursday morning. Despite it being a workday for many, the market is bustling. I'm sure there is a story there that I will come to learn in time. 

I can't help but think I should be involved with this market in some way. I used to have a stand at the Moncton Market, where I sold things like children's hair clips, headbands and felt finger puppets. If I have an ingenious idea, I look more into it.

If you haven't checked out your local market, make a point to. There is something for everyone and by shopping there, you are helping to support the people in your community.