Downtown, things will be great when you’re downtown!
The famed lyrics stand true for the community of Bolton. Their 5th year in operation, the Bolton Farmers’ Market (previously the Caledon Farmers’ Market) has been relocated to downtown Mill Street in Bolton for the beginning of this year’s market season in June 2014.
The new location has already seen a great increase in customers – sales have more than doubled from last season. In fact, it has been their best season so far since the market opened in 2009.
Location, location, location. It really does matter! From about an average of 300 visitors per day last season, they are now seeing roughly 1,000 visitors each day this season.
The central location has no doubt quite successfully allowed the market to foster greater community engagement, while also allowing the market to better connect with downtown central businesses and build stronger relationships with those businesses.
Jith Dravin, Manager of the Bolton Farmers’ Market, tells us that new links with businesses have already been formed, and existing ones have become stronger. The businesses downtown are certainly pleased, too. Archtop Café has seen a significant increase in foot traffic, where there is a stall for musicians to provide music for the market. The neighbouring ice cream shop and salon has also remarked on the exciting increase in visitors.
A fantastic accomplishment to achieve such a significant increase in visitors from the community to support their local market, and purchase local products. Dravin explains in this release: “Bolton Farmers’ Market is where the choices you make decide the outcome of your well-being with food that is fresh, home-grown and nutritious.”
A conscious effort has gone toward getting a variety of local farmers and vendors, intended to offer community residents an assortment of fresh and local food. For a full list of their 2014 vendors, visit their website here.
The Market also often offers events that promote local food, local music, sustainable living and healthy lifestyles. Saturday, August 19 will see Chef James whip up some samples using market ingredients (10 a.m.)
The market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Let us know how you like the new location!
Want some visuals? Check out photos from the market on their Facebook Page.
For more information on the Bolton Market, visit: http://www.caledon.ca/farmersmarket.