Ontario kicks off weekly Farmer’s Market
Despite overnight storms that dropped additional rain throughout the Driftless area, the morning gave way to sunshine and warmer temperatures. This encouraged vendors and patrons at the Ontario Farmer’s and Flea Market.
In it’s second year, Saturday’s market included vendors, Echo Valley Community Farm Bakery, Billings Creek Angus, a sixth generation Farm (slated to receive Century Farm recognition at this year’s Wisconsin State Fair), and Amish baked goods.
Located on Pleasant street at Palen Park next to Highway 131, the market is working to grow its vendor list and encourages vendors that feature locally grown or made by hand products to participate.
Being held in conjunction with this year’s market is a Flea Market. Flea market vendors included, water color and acrylic art by Claud Stuckert, yard art by Deb Swartz, and vintage goods and fishing gear from Chad Dampier and his son Dale.
Dena Eakles, part of the team that created the farmer’s market and founder of the community sustained ‘Echo Valley Farm’ said, “The farmers market is a way to help local farmers, and to bring the community together. We began last year, and we are off to a great start this year! “
Besides Eakles, Lauren West, Staci Mick Pieper, Jenna Ferries, and Sue Blanchard make up the farmer’s market team.
Currently, the Ontario Famer’s Market is a community project and the hope is to see it evolve into a food cooperative. “No one is leading this effort; it takes everyone to make a successful market.” Said Eakles.
The market is held Saturdays this year, May 25 through October 12, 9 am - 1 pm, with setup beginning at 7 am. For more information visit www.facebook.com/MarketInOntario/
