Farmer’s market full of fresh ideas

Since its opening in 2000, Ste. Anne Farmer’s Market has been a savory summer hotspot for Ste. Anne de Bellevue. As if its array of fresh, regionally grown produce was not already enough incentive to draw in a crowd, the marché also displays the works of numerous local artisans throughout the season.

Separate vendors specializing in cheese, bread, eggs and honey are ideal suppliers for any food lover’s occasion; whether one is lounging by the pool, planning a picnic or hosting a raucous outdoor fiesta.

Located across from Ste. Anne Town Hall (107 Ste. Anne St.) this unique outdoor market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is an appealing alternative to the mad weekend dash of supermarkets. Rather than spending your Saturday partaking in an unforeseen race to the check out line, the Ste. Anne Farmer’s Market is a place where you can take your time and treat yourself to an aromatic outing. “I think it stimulates people” said Lise Anne Briand, the market’s co-ordinator, of the marché‘s laid back atmosphere.

Not only is the local produce better for the environment, traveling less distance to the market as well as requiring less packaging and preservatives, but the transactions that take place at the Market also help maintain strong ties within the community by supporting regional farmers.

As the individual who is responsible for overseeing that the functions of the Market run as smoothly as possible, Briand has witnessed the market’s clientele increase firsthand, year by year. “We built up a steady client base and then last year there was a boom,” she added. Whether this small wonder can be attributed to society’s ever growing consciousness of green practices is debatable, but the theory doesn’t seem to far off target.

On Aug. 22 the market will be hosting a garlic festival to celebrate Quebec’s week of the public market. The following Saturday, the market will have their annual “fete” with each vendor preparing a cake for the public, and plenty of activities for children. As of Oct. 17t the market will move indoors to St. George’s Anglican Church until the following spring.

For more information on the Ste. Anne Farmer’s Market, call 514-457 7244 or e-mail marchesteanne@gmail.com. <@Cp>Chronicle, Brenda Chance <@$p> <@Cp>Chronicle, Brenda Chance <@$p>