It was a slow start to the season given the long winter and drawn out spring, but Tara Simpson, manager of communications and events for Ottawa Farmers’ Market correctly predicted “things would catch up quickly.” And they have.
Asparagus was the first local crop to satisfy visitors at the Westboro branch of the market, as well as baby greens and fresh herbs, but if the produce isn’t enough to convince residents to come down, there are other things in the works too.
This year local residents will find more tasting events, buskers, and children’s activities at the Westboro location. Several new vendors have also joined the market, including a number of young start-up farms and food vendors.
“We’ve changed our regulations this year to allow our agricultural vendors to serve one dish that showcases their produce,” says Simpson.
There’ll be more hot food for grabs too. Although Raon Kitchen is not new to Westboro Market, this season they will be serving their popular bibimbap (bowls of warm white rice topped with veggies and meat) as well as mandu, Korean dumplings. Simpson says she’s “addicted to already.”
Regular tasting events are planned for Westboro every Saturday starting June 7 until the end of August, not including holiday weekends.
For more information and a peek at the OFM events calendar, go to ottawafarmersmarket.ca.