You know a farmer's market is pet-friendly when you run into a pig... on a leash. Imagine my glee when I meet Harley the pig walking around the Peterborough Regional Farmers' Market, That was several years ago. Harley has since moved to a farm where he's living in an outdoor pen, rather than in an apartment. But the market remembers his visits!
Dogs are the pet of choice for many people stocking up on fresh produce, artisan cheeses and meats, baked goods and handicrafts from stalls lining the outside section of the market. Live music energizes the air. Good thing, too. If you've got your pup in tow, outside is where you must stay because pets are not allowed inside the Morrow Park building, which hosts the inside portion of the market.
The Peterborough Regional Farmers' Market is a city tradition. Regional farmers truck in seasonal fruits and vegetables (some organic), sharing market space with maple syrup, honey, chutney, emu oil and tarts. Handcrafted cutting boards, jewelry, knitwear, photos and even original framed poetry round out the arty options.
Take-home presents for your pup abound: after almost 25 years at the market, Jim and Audrey's Woodcrafts still make beautiful pet bowl benches in three different sizes, ranging in price depending on size and wood finish. Similarly, Sew Much More 4U specializes in alteration services and sewing, including a line of pet coats called “Doggie Dudsâ€. Don't miss Nature's Power Pet Remedies for natural relief from allergies, arthritis and ear infections—all formulated for our furry friends (alongside dog collars and treats).
Product sourcing is important at the market. Their website lists location details of the one-hundred plus merchants, promoting local businesses and Kawartha-area producers. The market organizers recently added new kiosk signs indicating whether each vendor grows, supports, raises or produces the products they sell.
This summer, Peterborough is holding a second Farmers' Market on Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 2 pm in the downtown area. So, bring the pup to either market! As long as your pet's leashed, well-behaved and outside, you'll be free to fill your basket with fresh veggies and grab a little something for Fido.
Do you know a farmers' market in Canada that welcomes companion animals? We'd love to hear about it. Drop us a line at info@pawsie.ca.
Photo credit: Michael Hurcomb for Peterborough Camp; the Kawarthas Economic
Development.