Jun 24, 2009 - 12:15 PM

By Chris Hall

PORT PERRY -- A taste of Scugog will be available for sampling this weekend when Port Perry's farmers' market officially opens, adding local flavour to the downtown core.

Come Saturday morning, it's expected that nearly a dozen vendors, mostly from Scugog but all from Durham Region, will set up their various fresh wares for sale in the small parking lot at the eastern end of Mary Street, at Water Street, overlooking Lake Scugog by the Palmer Park playground equipment and new splash pad.

The mini-market will kick off at 8 a.m. on June 27 and run till noon. The season-long venue for local produce and products will run through to Thanksgiving weekend.

"The vendors had hoped there would be a market in Port Perry because they feel the community will support it," said Marlene Werry, Durham's rural economic development officer.

The market will feature a wide range of local goods, from fresh meat and vegetables, flowers and herbs, to baked goods and preserves.

As part of the market agreement, those selling items must meet certain strict requirements: 70 per cent of what they sell must be grown on their own farms; the remaining items must have been grown somewhere in Ontario.

Among those excited about this weekend's market kick-off is Jordan McKay, whose family-owned Willow Tree Farm will look to sell loads of local produce, grown just west of Port Perry.

"It's great to have a farmers' market right at the (Scugog community's) door, and it's at a great location right at the water with a nice view," said Mr. McKay. "It's a direct market for fresh food grown here (in Scugog), and it's great to have a market where we can sell what we grow here on our farm."

Fresh strawberries and hot-house tomatoes and peppers are expected to be a big draw at Willow Tree's first foray into the Port Perry farmers' market, added Mr. McKay.

And, keeping with the community flavour, Ms. Werry says local interest in the market has been outstanding, with two residents already stepping forward to work on a volunteer basis to ensure the effort is a success.

She also adds organizers have agreed to set up a "community table" of sorts where non-profit groups, such as the local Lions club or Girl Guides, can take turns holding their fundraisers.

"We're hoping to make it a community market," said Ms. Werry.

Among those slated to be on hand at the Port Perry farmers' market each week include Yellowlees Family Farm (lamb products, bird feed, farm photocards and cut sunflowers), Preserving Traditions (jams, pickles, knitted articles, sugar-free preserves), Willowtree Farm Inc. (fruits and vegetables), A and M Catering Service (Viennese strudels, butter pastry loafs, butter cookies, bacon buns), Lunar Rhythm Gardens (vegetables, honey, chicken, herbs, beef, flowers, pork), The Beekeeper (honey, candles, bee pollen, lip balm, wax, skin lotion), Jeff Luke (honey) and Cameron's Coffee.

F and M Farm (asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, peas, honey) will be on hand the first week. And, slated to be at the mini-market for five weeks are Strickland's Perennial Farm (flowers) and Lamrock's Country Garden (hostas, roses, baskets and day lilies).

For more information on the farmers' market, contact Ms. Werry at 905-668-4113, extension 2609, or e-mail marlene.werry@durham.ca.