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Business in Oakville Oakville Civitan Farmers' Market opens for season Saturday By Jane Muller Doug Guthrie arrives at the Oakville Civitan Farmer's Market at 5 a.m. every Saturday - three hours before it opens to shoppers. He's been there, dark and early, since 1999 to set up the seasonal operation, greet vendors and ensure everything is in ready for customers at 8 a.m. The market coordinator has been busy preparing for opening day of the 2021 season on Saturday, May 8, a task that now includes complying with health guidelines related to the pandemic. Guthrie is pleased that the market will open on schedule this year, recalling how the pandemic delayed the 2020 opening until July. While their numbers have been reduced by about one-third due to physical distancing space requirements, vendors offer a variety of locally produced food at the Dorval Crossing parking lot. "The vendors are the big selling point for me," says Guthrie, who has seen generations of producers set up shop at the market. Established by the service club in 1979 as a fundraiser, proceeds support local charities like the food bank and bursaries that assist local students with post-secondary education. Although the market was more popular than ever last year with upwards of 2,200 shoppers seeking an open-air option during COVID times, fewer vendors and a shortened season reduced revenue for the Civitan Club. Guthrie noted that generous customers provided added financial support by contributing to a donation box set up at the entrance last year. "It worked out quite well and helped to cover our expenses," says Guthrie. The club also absorbs extra expenses related to pandemic health guidelines that include sanitizing products, pilons to control customer flow and this year, the rental of a container pod to store the pilons and supplies. Despite the pilons, reminders to physically distance and the prevalence of face masks, the market continues to provide a farm- fresh produce, meat, cheese, baked goods, honey and other offerings from local vendors. Guthrie witnesses the regulars who arrive at about the same time each week and seek out favourite purchases. His include baked goods, especially meat pies that make a perfect meal after a long day of supervising the market. In recent years his son Steven, also a club member, has been at this side. Just as many of the vendors rely on the family pitching in, Guthrie is grateful for help from his extended family. He also acknowledges the support of the neighbouring McDonald's restaurant owner Darlene Bryans for making washroom facilities available. Returning this season will be many familiar vendors from the area including Alderbrook Farm, Boyle Brothers Market Garden, Quality Bakery, Roberts Farms, Allison's Savoury Pies and Millcreek Flower Farm. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 8 to November at Dorval Crossing 200-240 North Service Rd. W. Shoppers can bring reusable bags that they can fill themselves. People are encouraged to wear masks while in the market. Some vendors will accept cash. Advertorial 23 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M ay 6,2021 insidehalton.com FARMERS MARKET @oakvillecivitanfarmersmarketoakvillecivitan.ca/market Opening Day Saturday May 8 Covid 19 protocols are in place for your safety SHOP LOCAL & FRESH • Fruit • Vegetables • Bread • Honey • Baked Goods •Meats • Cheese • Flowers • AndMore! EVERY SATURDAY 8AM - 2PM Located at Dorval Crossing East 200-240 North Service Rd W, Oakville