"Our 16 to 18 Growers and Makers draw more than 2,000 in traffic at Dorval Crossing East and sell out each Saturday," remarks George Horhota, Civitan Club Member and On-Site Lead for the Oakville Civitan Farmers Market.
The Civitan Club of Oakville has been actively serving the town of Oakville since 1960. This not-for-profit group donates 95% of the money raised back to the community.
Their intentions have always been to help underserved groups who operate below the radar, including Community Living Oakville, Distress Centre Halton, Radius, Fare Share Food Bank, and Darling Home for Kids.
One-third of the club’s money raised each year comes from the ever-popular farmers market, open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday from May until the last Saturday of November. It is the longest-running farmers' market in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Civitan Farmers Market at Dorval Crossing East returns this Saturday, May 7, 2022. At its peak, the market will grow to 25 vendors, 80% food-related, made up of local Growers and Makers. Along with fresh produce: vendors with teas, sauces, jams and more will return.
"During COVID restrictions, we had our greatest traffic of more than 2,000 guests each Saturday," commented Mr. Horhota.
"People needed a place to go, something to do. We were committed to ensuring that the market was as safe a place to spend a Saturday as possible. Civitan Doug Guthrie and Manager since the beginning in 1979, has been responsible for the market’s success."
"During the past two years, the market has had a controlled entrance and exit; a roped-in market, with sanitizing stations and direction cones."
"We also provided storage containers for the vendors at no extra cost to them. We decided to set a donation jar out for the extra expenses, and the community generously helped out. We wanted to make sure that the customers felt safe and that we controlled the traffic flow."
Horhota continued to add how grateful Civitan Club of Oakville is to Bentall Green Oak Management for their charitable generosity in allowing the market to use the parking lot at Dorval Crossing East at no cost.
Robert’s Farms and Alderbrook Farm are the biggest growers at the market. They employ an uncommonly large number of staff members each season to ensure great service and keep up with customer needs.
By the end of the season, the growers inevitably expand from three to 10 vendor spots each to meet demand.
The market is open, rain or shine and is dog-friendly. Next year the club will include certified organic growers as part of the season.
Be informed. Check the Foodland Availability Guide for a list of the freshest in-season produce before you head over to the Civitan Farmers Market at Dorval Crossing East.
They’ll be ready for you.