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Holiday Magic is in the Air!

Is it too early to start getting excited about Christmas? We don't think so!
We just announced our annual Holly Jolly Market, and we couldn't be more excited! Your responses have been amazing, and we're confident that this market will be one to remember. I'm personally looking forward to the live music, cocktail garden and horse & carriage rides; what better way to kick off the holiday season than a Christmas cocktail? And if you're coming with your little ones, there will be TONS of entertainment, including a kid's craft corner and hot chocolate vendor. We really went all out for this year's holiday market because we know the past few years have looked different around the holidays, and we want this to be a December to remember!
Okay, enough of the Christmas talk; we're not quite done with fall yet. Our indoor market is full of seasonal fall foods; from butternut squash at Havaris Produce to Autumn Harvest Vegetable Soup at The Piping Kettle, you'll find something to keep you warm & full in this rainy weather. And we can't forget our annual Family Pumpkin Patch on Sunday, October 30th! What better way to say goodbye to the spooky season than an afternoon of apple cider, face painting, and of course, candy treat bags! There's so much happening at the market these days; it's great to see familiar faces, positive community engagement, and support for our indoor and outdoor vendors!

WHO CAN YOU FIND AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Farmers’ Market this Saturday, October 22nd! Click on their names to find information on pre-orders and to learn more about their farms and businesses!

 

Check out their websites for more information about their products and to see what’s in season/currently available!

THIS WEEK FROM KILLDEER FOOD CO

Brussels sprouts – I haven’t grown them in a few years, but they really are delicious. Try them shaved raw in a salad with some bacon or freshly toasted nuts.

Broccoli – there will be some more over the next few weeks, but they’re lovely tight heads.

Basque Bean Soup – those fresh Basque Black Beans that we had on the site last week, made into a soup with leeks, carrots, parsley root and sweet peppers. The beans turn white when they’re cooked, and they’re perfectly plump and creamy.

Ratatouille – the last of the sweet peppers and eggplant, roasted up and stewed with the last of the Roma tomatoes.

Buttered Squash & Leek Soup – blended smooth, a hit with adults and kids alike.

Sauerkraut – it’s simple but delicious!

519Pledge for Socks

Come visit the 519Pursuit booth and bring your brand-new socks to donate. The 5th Annual 519Pledge For Socks has returned and volunteers will be present each Saturday at the outdoor Farmers’ Market to collect your donations of brand-new socks until November 12th. We will also have a dropbox located on the main floor on the market at center court!

 

You can also consider participating in the 519Pledge For Socks by raising a donation of 519 pairs that will support the overall goal of 100,000 pairs of socks. In the past 4 years the 519Pledge has resulted in a donation of 183,000 pairs of socks supporting 519pursuits community outreach efforts along with 50 other services, shelters and community groups from London-Toronto. 519Pursuit will also have some merch for sale which proceeds will keep their outreach vehicle fueled. Come join the conversation. Look for the tent with the big lantern.

KNOW YOUR FOOD: GROW, EAT, UNDERSTAND

Visit Middlesex London Food Policy Council this Saturday at the Farmers Market to learn more about the event they are hosting on Saturday November 5th. Taking place at the Western Fair, come learn how your food is grown and processed in Middlesex County!

Doors open at 9:30AM with the first keynote commencing at 10:00AM. The day will include opportunities for networking, panel discussions, and Q&As with agri-food experts. Speakers will include farmers, processors, food educators, community leaders, and more!

 

Who should attend? Anyone who is interested in FOOD!

 

Masking is strongly encouraged. Participants attending in person will have a FREE lunch prepared by Growing Chefs! Ontario.

 

For those who cannot attend in person, we are offering an online livestream of the event. Register to attend online here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Alyssa Bart will be performing on the Rotary Square this Saturday from 8:30am to 10:30am.

Alyssa Bart is a singer-songwriter, classical vocalist, and actor from Barrie, ON. Alyssa is no stranger to the stage with over 8 years of performing experience in a variety of genres. Currently residing in London, ON, Alyssa is completing her Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance at the University of Western Ontario. Alyssa released her first single back in 2020 and has been writing and performing at restaurants, festivals, events, and markets across southern Ontario ever since.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Londomblé will be performing on the Rotary Square this Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

Londomblé consists of Charles Burnetts on vocals and percussion and Sergio Borquez on classical Spanish guitar. This highly versatile duo cover many musical genres, focusing on a laid-back, tropical vibe. Musical genres include Flamenco, Jazz, Salsa, Pop, Bossa Nova, RnB and Andean music.

SATURDAY COOKING CLASSES

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Jaime Pena. Jaime will be demonstrating how to make a Maple Butternut Squash Soup.

Saturday Cooking Class Schedule

 

Saturday, October 29

  • Kimi Abdullah | Bubur Ayam (Indonesian Rice Porridge with Chicken)

 

Doors open at 10:40am, class starts at 11am. No registration is required. First come, first served. 

 

A side note:

If you are able to, we are asking attendees to bring a donation for the London Food Bank or new socks for the 519Pledge for Socks. It would be greatly appreciated!

SUNDAY COOKING CLASSES

This Sunday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Kimi Abdullah. Kimi will be demonstrating how to make a Pimento Cheese Dip and Smoked Salmon Tartar.

 

**Reminder there is NO COOKING CLASS next Sunday, October 30th

 

Door open at 11:40am. No Registration is required. First come, first served. 

 

A side note:

If you are able to, we are asking attendees to bring a donation for the London Food Bank or new socks for the 519Pledge for Socks. It would be greatly appreciated!

LONDON YOGA FESTIVAL

The London Yoga Festival is back! Once again, we are gathering for a day of awareness, community, and sharing. Join us on the second floor of the Covent Garden Market this Saturday, October 22nd for a variety of yoga classes, workshops, activities, and local vendors. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. Attendance is at no cost and by donation only. Partial proceeds from the festival are in support of The Ark. The Ark Aid Street Mission is a non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity dedicated to aiding those less fortunate.

 

2022 Yoga Festival Schedule

Blue Lounge

  • 8:30 – 9:30 Karen Hypes – Hatha Yoga
  • 9:30 – 10:30 Mel Dodge – Connect to Your Inner Power
  • 10:30 – 11:30 Alina Calinescu – Yin & Tonic
  • 11:30 – 12:30 Lyndsay Campbell – Reiki & Sound Healing for the Heart
  • 12:30 – 1:30 Rachel McGarry – Kirtan: The Practice of Devotional Chanting
  • 1:30 – 2:30 Christine Noble – Amplified Mindfulness Practice
  • 2:30 – 3:30 Amanda Stypul – Exploring Balance

Main Hall

  • 9:00 – 10:00   Raven & Alo – Gentle Tunes
  • 12:00 – 1:00   Joan Fernandez – IntenSati
  • 1:00- 2:00    Gill Connolly – Fight Yoga
  • 2:00 – 3:00   Rachel McGarry -Kirtan  
  • 3:00 – 4:00   Ekaterina Nikiforova – Breath and Movement

 

Visit our website londonyogafestival.ca for more information.

LINE DANCING WORKSHOP

It so exhilarating to have London, start to open up again after such a long hiatus. It will be wonderful to bring us back together to DANCE. I do hope you can join us and have some fun on Thursday, October 27th upstairs in the Mezzanine!!!!

JOIN US AT THE LINE DANCING WOKRSHOP

  • 9:45am -10:45am Absolute Beginners
  • 11:00am – Noon High Beginners + Improver

Minimal Cost $4.00 per class, 1hr free parking as well with validation

 

Email Debbie dancingdebbie1951@yahoo.ca to register today!

Stay tuned for more information on our annual Family Pumpkin Patch; you won’t want to miss out on the Halloween fun!

Follow our Instagram (@coventgardenmarketcanada) and FaceBook (@CoventGardenMarketCanada) to stay updated on all our exciting upcoming events!

-Mary Shanahan