Every Wednesday 9am to Noon
By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
Looking for a mid-week excursion? Head off to the Tobermory Marketplace which showcases a wide range of locally produced goods.
A pilot project organized by the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce, the pop-up artisan market is open every Wednesday during the summer from 9 a.m. to noon, beside the Ball Diamond in Tobermory (8 Head Street, Tobermory).
As many as 15 regional vendors coming from Kemble, Wiarton, Pike Bay, Barrow Bay, Lion’s Head, Miller Lake, Cape Hurd and Tobermory are at the market. The offerings at this quaint outdoor market will take care of all your summer needs; be it for snacks and ingredients for meals, relaxation, playing games with family, or adding that special ornament to your home decor. The products include fresh seasonal vegetables, lavender products, beeswax products and honey, eggs, baked goods, handcrafted wooden and metal ornaments, jewelry, wooden hand-made board games, wooden cooking utensils, t-shirts, freeze dried candy and fruits and throw cushions.
To elevate your summer BBQs, Miners Maple Products is offering maple syrup and maple infused products for your cooking needs.
Needing a perfect tool for cooking? George of Miller Lake handcrafts spurtles from maple. George describes spurtles as a Scottish cooking device used for stirring porridge, soups and stews.
The multi-talented Councilor Smokey is offering fresh seasonal produce from her garden and that of her sister’s. Available for purchase at reasonable cost at the 1st of August market was beans, broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce, peas and swiss chard, definitely great combinations for any meal. Smokey also sells her handmade jewelry and throw cushions.
Cape Chin Micro-Farm offers duck and chicken eggs, roaster chickens, honey and beeswax candles and food wraps. They say many of their regulars stop by to stock up, the eggs are always in high demand and are usually sold out each Wednesday.
Fear of missing out on a hot trendy item – freeze dried candy and fruits is a craze. Kiernan and Abigail say the product idea was trending online and Abigail and family decided to try their hand at it. In production for a couple of months, they had to add a second machine to meet demand. They also sell their products at Keady Market and at Sauble Beach.
Need sweet treats? Both the Cedar Lodge Baking & Crafts and Tobermory cottagers Taylor, Alex and Eliza offer a selection of tarts, sweet breads, cookies and squares.
Needing to de-stress and relax? East Road Farm, a lavender farm at Brinkman’s Corners, is offering candles, sugar scrubs, scented oils, tea blends, and coffee mugs produced by Amanda Miller of Ferndale. The North Bruce Candle Company is there with their 100% soy candles. Owner Sarah says she is asked all the time which of the scents is the most popular, but she says all 40 scents are popular.
Looking for something to do with the family? Dave’s handcrafted wooden board games will keep the family busy for many hours.
For your home decorating needs, Dale and Marlene of Barrow Bay Crafters, were first time vendors at the August 1 market. They are offering garden ornaments, drink holders and painted gourds. Wendy and Priscilla of Starry Nights Studio of Tobermory are selling sculptures of recycled metal and stone created by Barry Mcinnch and dream catchers created by Priscilla. Michael of Happy Camper, a hobbyist for over 20 years, has a variety of hand made wooden plaques.
Marissa of Black Heart Designs of Pike Bay creates original or custom designs which are printed vinyl on T-shirts and mugs. Marissa says she has gotten a decent amount of custom orders, mostly businesses ordering t-shirts for their employees.
The vendors say they are enjoying their experience at the market; the slower pace of the market gives them opportunities to get to know their fellow vendors and time to chat with their customers.
Open every Wednesday in summer from 9 a.m. to noon at Head Street in Tobermory (beside the Ball Diamond).
Park at the Community Centre parking lot (7420 highway 6) or the Legion Street parking lot (paid parking fees apply).
