Farm Market Report for Feb.14, 2017
Keith Helmuth
One of the great things about Canada is that we have a lot of holidays. As I recall, we have a holiday almost every month. Some are statutory and some are not, but the feeling of all holidays is having something to look forward to and to do something special, even if it is to only rest up.
Last year the NB government floated a proposal to add Family Day to our list of holidays, but as far as I can tell it has not been declared. NB is one of three provinces that does not have an official Family Day in the middle of February.
Some business people who worry about “productivity” think we have too many holidays, but it seems most folks really appreciate them. Even those of us no longer tied to a regular work schedule like the feeling of a special day. That’s why weekends are so important; a time for rest, reflection, and worship for all so inclined. A Family Day in the middle of February would be a great addition to our list of holidays.
Holiday celebrations are a regular feature of the Woodstock Farm and Craft Market schedule. I took a break from this Report after the Christmas holiday and slipped up on announcing the Market’s Valentine’s Day event, which occurred on Saturday the 11th. But it’s likely to happen again so it’s worth mentioning after the fact.
Grace Livingstone introduced a special treat for Market customers last Saturday. She set up her equipment for producing three varieties of delicious baked donuts: blueberry, chocolate chip, and coconut. The Market provided free coffee for everyone who purchased donuts. Grace and Stephen Livingstone are vendors in the Market with their Living Honey Products. This was Grace’s first time in the Market with her baked donuts and we look forward to her return. I’ll provide advance notice next time.
Next up on the Market’s holiday calendar is St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, which this year falls on the Friday Market day. The Irish spirit will be alive and well at the Market with the appropriate decorations and special products for the occasion. The main event will be the cutting of a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day cake made by Lady J and the serving of coffee by the Market. Both cake and coffee will be free in appreciation of the Market’s customers.
In keeping with the yearlong celebration of Canada at 150, the Market will be giving special emphasis to a selection of traditional foods and other products that have played an important role in the heritage of our country and our province. These will included maple syrup, dry beans, Briggs and Little yarn, fiddleheads, Speerville Mill products, buttercup squash, and, of course, potatoes, as well as other items. Keep Canada 150 in mind. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.