General News » Headline News » News

Alliston RURBAN Farmers’ Market runs through Halloween

September 9, 2021   ·   0 Comments

The Alliston Business Improvement Association (ABIA) will continue to host its popular fresh-air RURBAN (the best of all things rural and urban combined) Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The season will conclude with a grand finale, including the Halloween costume extravaganza “Monster Mash” and an Open Air Market Downtown on Saturday, October 30.

On October 30, the Open Air Market will run from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the Monster Mash from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Farmers’ Market offers an incredible selection of goods including fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade breads and sweets, fresh baked goods, meats, jams, flowers and hand-crafted jewellery.

“Our local farmers and vendors have something for everyone,” said Linda Spurr, ABIA General Manager.

Hosted at the corner of Victoria Street and Centre Street downtown, the Alliston Rurban Farmers Market has been operating for over 10 years, providing the community a gathering place, allowing visitors an opportunity to explore the retail, restaurants and other businesses that Alliston has to offer.

“It began on Mill Street but had made the move to the gateway to our downtown core at Centre Street and Victoria Street three years ago,” Spurr told The Times. “This allowed for more space, better visibility and we have the municipal parking lot right beside the market for easy access.”

The Farmers’ Market features the same farmers and artisans each week, offering new items weekly to keep things exciting. On special occasions, other vendors are also included, but the mainstays are: Innisfil Creek Honey, Connie’s Kitchen Farm, EFT Farms, Grandma’s Farm, Mansfield Heritage Farms, Alexiou Farms, D&D Meats, Lov’n Little Gems, and Sun Island Body Care.

“Our Community Booth changes each week as well,” said Spurr. “It has hosted at times McDonalds – Ronald MD House, Stevenson Memorial Hospital, thr Alliston Legion, Alliston Rotary Club, and My Sister’s Place.

Most weekends the Market also offers live music.

“We have had great headliners such as Nicole Rayy, Grant Boyer, Jeff Dunlop’s Duo and we add Live music and buskers throughout the downtown during our Open Air Markets,” confirms Spurr.

The Alliston BIA organizes and funds the Rurban Farmers Market each season and there is a lot of behind the scenes work to ensure a fun, safe environment for everyone. Planning begins early in the year and continues throughout the season.

“The Mission of the Alliston B.I.A is to support the promotion and development of the business areas of Alliston, to create a vibrant downtown to support the established businesses, entice new businesses, and validate Alliston’s image as an independent, viable, progressive centre of commerce,” said Spurr. “We represent over 200 business members in our designated catchment area and support our local Economic Development. We are an Urban Centre offering fashionable clothes, jewellery and home décor, along with some of Ontario’s best cuisine, all nestled among a picturesque, Rural setting.”

The ABIA still has lots of fun events planned for 2021, including the return of the Rurban Christmas Crawl on Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27. And the “Gold Medal Shopper” contest runs from September 9to October 22, with the winners being announced at the Monster Mash & Open Air Market on October 30.

“You could win a Deanne Rose jersey, a signed picture of our Gold medal winner Deanne Rose, and a prize pack of Downtown Alliston gifts and gift cards worth over $300,” said Spurr. “Visit our website at  www.rurban.ca for more details starting on September 9^.”

The Alliston BIA is currently working on the installation of an electronic sign in the west end of Downtown Alliston.

“This will provide visitors with up to date information at a glance as they are welcomed into our downtown core from the west end of town and support our branding of RURBAN. Rural banner signage at the east entrance and urban signage at the west. Rurban, the best of both worlds!” said Spurr.

If you plan to attend the Farmers’ Market, remember that new COVID–19 protocols are in place.

“Our team takes your safety very seriously and we work closely with the SMDHU to ensure all recommended precautions are in place for the market,” said Spurr. “Even though we operate outdoors, our staff and vendors are required to wear masks at all times during operation and while in the market area and we offer free masks to any visitor who wishes to wear one.

“Our public outdoor washroom is sanitized between each use. Hand sanitizer is offered at each entrance and on vendor tables, social distancing is encouraged and no food samples are given.

Our live music is set off to the side of the market so you are greeted with an enjoyable, toe-tapping sound as you enter, but do not have to yell over the sound while making your purchases.”

Interested new Farmers’ Market vendors can get involved by contacting Linda Spurr at info@allistonbia.com or by calling 705-435-1787.

By Wendy Gabrek

Readers Comments (0)