TRURO – Truro Farmers’ Market lovers gathered Saturday for the final time until spring.
“I’ll miss it,” said Truro’s Gerald Matthews early Saturday morning as he strolled by some produce tables. “I come a few times a month ... the produce is fresh and the prices are good.”
Other customers can’t imagine a week without shopping at the farmers’ market.
“I come every week ... it’s expanding and it’s good to support local,” crafters and producers, said Truro’s Brenda Milberry.
This year’s farmers’ market kept her interest mostly because of the fresh vegetables and baked goods.
“There’s not all the chemicals on the vegetables that there would be in stores.”
Milberry would love to see the venture expand to a year-round event.
Debby Austin, co-ordinator of the farmers’ market, would also like to see that happen. Austin said a feasibility study should take place over the next few months to see if the old fire hall would be a good location for a year-round market. The study will cost between $36,000 and $39,000, she said, and results will hopefully be available next spring.
“If it’s positive it could still take up to two years to get in the fire hall,” she cautioned.
Looking at the season that just closed, Austin said the results are encouraging.
“We had about 20 per cent more (customers) this year,” she said.
Weekly crowds fluctuated between 600 and 1,000, often dependent on weather conditions. In addition, there were close to 40 vendors this year, an increase from last year’s 26. Another drawing point, Austin believes, were the new products introduced to the market this year, including fresh fish, different types of bread and fresh meat on a weekly basis.
There is, however, one misconception the co-ordinator would like to dispel.
“Some people still think it’s high priced. The produce is very competitive with store produce,” she said.
North River’s Diane Julien has been a vendor at the market for about 15 years, selling scarves, hats, neck warmers and flower arrangements. She said she is sad to see the end of the season arrive.
“It goes fast ... I do craft shows as well but the farmers’ market is my favourite,” said Julien. “It’s like a family here and I love meeting people.”

mchiasson@trurodaily.com