St. Jacobs Farmer Market is a blend of Fresh produce and flea market and trendy items all blended together. Barb wanted a trip to St Jacobs on a Saturday morning due to its uniqueness. Close to Kitchner-Waterloo with its German origins, the whole area has been home to the Mennonites since the 1790s. They are a Christian sect that has detached from modern influences to live and work off the land but contribute to Canadian society and culture in wonderful ways. The area has the Canadian diversity as well.
As can be seen the market is now sandwiched between the big box stores "sprouting up" across Canada.
Even though I have some tomatoes in my garden, how could I resist one basket of beefsteak tomatoes.
The cherries were supposed to be a bum crop this year. Can not tell by this delicious pile!
The Mennonite community participate in a huge way side by side with other local farmers and merchants. Many of the young women work at the market with the larger community. In one stall, I observed one woman in Mennonite dress with the traditional bonnet, then another then another. They all looked the same. One young woman gave me a nice smile as she could see the perplexed look on my face. The three women looked slim, healthy, no makeup, no painted nails but very hard working and polite.
A crowd scene! Barb could not resist taking a picture of some ladies in their purple dresses. Permission of course to click the photo.
Barb loves Maple Syrup. This little booth was manned by a young Mennonite boy who was reading in his horse drawn buggy at the back. We bought a large bottle from him.
Inside one of the building there were meat counters- Barb bought some honey garlic sausages as well as some maple ones. Bakery counters and lots of other misc things.
Just taking a little break and having a good look from the upper balcony. Barb went off to buy some photo cards of Mennonite life. A large cinnamon bun from one of the Mennonite bakers is safe in my bag. They were being made fresh at the little booth by two young Mennonite young women. Barb's Mom used to make cinnamon buns when she was growing up.
No matter where I go there is always Italian food being sold as can be seen by the Focaccia Bread. Barb bought some Canadian Cheddar Cheese bread and a German apple cake from this booth.
I always find a "paesano" no matter where I go. This uomo- man originated from Calabria. He has a small farm near Martingrove in Woodbridge. He helps sell his brother's crops who lives near St. Catharines, Ontario. His young Mennonite helper was getting a chuckle out of his Italian characteristics! I bought some peaches and cherries from him.
I was tempted to hitch a ride with the horse drawn trolleys that let tourists visit a few Mennonite farms. My arms were getting longer from the heavy bags. The market had too much to eat. It was too crowded! Hot! .Some people were just milling around -looking. Others were serious food shoppers. Maybe next time I will arrive when it first opens. However, there is nothing like farm fresh produce. Off the tree or off the vine it is 1000% tastier!
I can not wait to get home to eat some fresh peaches.
Visit their website.
St. Jacobs Market
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You are so lucky, Adolph, to have such great farmer's markets so close to you. This one is fantastic. I think I would have come away with twice the amount of your 'loot'.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Barb.
On August 5, 2012- Miriam Grimald wrote- " Zio and the bancarell!"
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