LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Gerry Shaw and her father had a vision for Errington. They envisioned an open air market for people to shop for local goods and wares, like the one near their former home in Roseville, California.
Forty years later the Errington Farmer’s Market is at the heart of the community with a variety of local produce and preserves, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally crafted items and entertainment. It’s also become a gathering place for locals and a favourite stop for tourists.
With the help of her father, Fred Kaufer, Shaw purchased a five acre lot across the street from the Errington General Store and the market was opened on August 11, 1973. Shaw died of cancer in 1988, but she helped found the Errington Farmers Market Society before her passing.
The market moved to its current location in the Community Park, across from the Errington Hall, in 1993.
To mark this year’s 40th anniversary there will be a celebration Saturday, May 4.
A Maypole will be set up for traditional dancing, a May Queen will be on hand, there will be flowered head wreaths for the ladies and live entertainment on the stage.
The Errington Farmer’s Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until the end of September. For more information visit www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca.