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August Market Magic

We hope everyone had a fantastic civic holiday weekend! We kicked things off last Thursday by enjoying the vibrant Beats & Eats, which set the tone for an awesome long weekend of excitement. Of course, our beloved Saturday morning farmers market was a great success, showcasing the finest local produce.
Looking forward, prepare for the upcoming Jerk Fest this Saturday and Sunday, which will be an absolute blast. London's first jerk chicken festival is here, offering a delightful array of simply delicious food that will satisfy your taste buds.
As August unfolds, our market is gearing up for a series of festive weekends, promising a lot of fun for everyone in London. Don't forget to explore the remarkable indoor vendors at the market - they've got it all covered, from mouthwatering food to stylish clothing, exquisite jewelry, indulgent desserts, and aromatic coffee. Whatever you're looking for, chances are, you'll find it here!
With beautiful weather on the horizon, make the most of the remaining days of summer. Embrace the sun, enjoy the warm days, and make memories that will last a lifetime. We will see you at the market soon!

VENDOR HIGHLIGHT

Glad to see you back for our fourth installment of Vendor Highlights, where we dive in and explore a different vendor each week, giving you the opportunity to learn more about them and discover their hidden gems.

Today, we’re looking at our fur-lover vendor Mia’s Paws. At the heart of Mia’s Paws is its founder, Lisa, a passionate advocate for animal health and dietary mindfulness. In 2020, Lisa laid the cornerstone for what would soon become Mia’s Paws; amidst the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, Lisa embarked on crafting a series of delectable treats for her canine companions, driven by a yearning to provide them with wholesome, dependable nourishment. The exuberant response of her dogs to these treats was noticeable. These heartwarming interactions kindled within Lisa the realization that her meticulous care and devotion to her four-legged companions could be extended to ease the anxieties of fellow pet parents.

In her pursuit of expansion, Lisa naturally gravitated toward the Market, recognizing it as an ideal place to share her handcrafted offerings with a broader audience. This move allows her to pursue her passion and to have the ability to engage in a vibrant community of like-minded vendors. The Market’s inviting ambiance aligns seamlessly with her aspirations, providing a nurturing space that harmoniously merges with her vision of a close-knit, supportive community.

Lisa says her journey thus far has been incredible – the birth of innovative products, a devoted customer base, the return of satisfied pet owners,
and most importantly, a multitude of rejoicing, contented dogs who have reaped the benefits of her labour of love.

Cute fact: “Mia’s Paws” pays homage to Lisa’s beloved Bulldog, Mia, an embodiment of love and companionship that resonates deeply within her.

Stay tuned for more captivating stories from our vendors, each sharing a unique connection to the Market – an exciting journey we can’t wait to share with you!

JERK FEST

Get ready to spice up your weekend at the Jerk Fest on Rotary Square, brought to you by Twin Dem Kitchen & Stereo Caliente Entertainment! 🎉

Join us for a mouthwatering blend of tastes and tunes🎶

Save the dates: August 12th (4pm-12am) and August 13th (12pm-9pm) – it will be an unforgettable experience! 🔥

Enjoy all magnitudes of fun both outside at the festival and indoors with our amazing vendors!

WHO CAN YOU FIND AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, August 12th from 8AM to 1PM on the Rotary Square. Click on their names to find information on pre-orders and to learn more about their farms and businesses! 

BOOKS FOR SALE

Friends of the London Public Library will be here this Saturday outside at our Farmers’ Market with many books for sale! Proceeds raised by the book sales support enhancements to the library programs and services. Friends of the London Public Library is a volunteer organization that provides community support for our library system in London, Ontario. The Friends’ mandate is to advocate on behalf of the Library and to raise funds to provide value-added enhancements to Library programs and services.

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC

Sasha Wideman will be performing this Saturday from 8:30am to 10:30am.

I’m Sasha, an aspiring singer-songwriter who hopes to follow in the footsteps of inspirational figures like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. I primarily play folk and rock music and attempt to emulate these artists by blending their styles with my own. The songs I play have carried me through the hardest parts of my life and my hope is that by sharing them in the most expressive way I can, they will pass on to those who need them most. Music is nature’s greatest healer – it has the ability to inspire listeners to express themselves artistically. My ultimate ambition is that my songs will carry on this tradition.

STORYTIME AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Jiggesty-jig! Children’s Library is on the road. Grab your kids and head outside to the Rotary Square Saturday, June 17th at 10:30am for a half hour of special storytimes featuring stories, songs and rhymes!

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC

Greg Lirette will be performing this Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

Greg Lirette is one of southwestern Ontario’s premier acoustic solo performers entertaining audiences for nearly three decades. Playing thousands of shows locally and internationally. Combining an energetic stage presence, comedy, experience and a vast repertoire makes for a great show.

SATURDAY COOKING DEMO

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Himadri Vyas. Himadri will be demonstrating how to make Indian Savory Crepes also known as besan k chilla!


Kimi will also taking donations for My Sister’s Place. My Sister’s Place is in need of the following items;

  • Used jewellery
  • Toiletry items (shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, razors, liquid body wash)
  • Unused makeup and unused/gently used makeup tools (eye shadow, blush, lipstick, brushes, brush cleaner)
  • Grab-and-go snacks (granola bars, applesauce cups, cereal bars )
  • Coffee, tea bags, sugar, coffee whitener
  • Pasta noodles, cooking oil, rice, olive oil, salad dressings

SATURDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

  • Saturday, August 12 | Himadri Vyas – Indian Savory Crepes (Besan k chilla)
  • Saturday, August 19 | Polina Shadman – Omlette Gojeh; Tomato Omlette (GF)
  • Saturday, August 26 | Kimi Abdullah – Ayam Bakar; Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Pandan-Scented Rice

 

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

SUNDAY COOKING DEMO

This Sunday, there is NO COOKING CLASS. Come back next Sunday where Polina Shadman will be demonstrating how to make Potato Fritatas. Both vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

SUNDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

  • Sunday, August 13 | NO COOKING CLASS
  • Sunday, August 20 | Polina Shadman – Potato Fritata (Vegan & GF options)
  • Sunday, August 27 | Himadri Vyas – Indian Flavours Afternoon Tea with Finger Sandwiches

 

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

TUESDAY FARMERS + ARTISAN MARKET

See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Tuesday, August 15th from 4PM to 7PM on the Rotary Square. Click on their names to find information on pre-orders and to learn more about their farms and businesses.

 

Please note; this will be the LAST Tuesday Market as we are not seeing enough traffic for our vendors. You can still find fresh veg and local products outside every Saturday 8am to 1pm. 

TUESDAY LIVE MUSIC

Sasha Wideman will be performing outside on Tuesday from 4pm to 5:30pm.

I’m Sasha, an aspiring singer-songwriter who hopes to follow in the footsteps of inspirational figures like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. I primarily play folk and rock music and attempt to emulate these artists by blending their styles with my own. The songs I play have carried me through the hardest parts of my life and my hope is that by sharing them in the most expressive way I can, they will pass on to those who need them most. Music is nature’s greatest healer – it has the ability to inspire listeners to express themselves artistically. My ultimate ambition is that my songs will carry on this tradition.

TUESDAY LIVE MUSIC

Connor Morand will be performing outside on Tuesday from 5:30pm to 7pm.

Connor Morand is an award-winning alternative pop singer-songwriter from London, Ontario. His crossover blend of contemporary pop with influences of hip hop and indie rock consistently push the boundaries of anything traditional and familiar. Connor’s combination of soaring vocal melodies and smooth guitar playing make for entertaining and lively shows in performances all around the world.

FOREST CITY FUSION FESTIVAL

On August 18th from 5-9pm at Covent Garden Market, join the Simple Reflections for Artists family in celebrating the next generation of local talent at the Youth Showcase. Young people in our community are mentored by talented musicians, dancers and visual artists from all over the world.“ By welcoming these youth into community spaces and celebrating their achievements, we plant seeds of belonging and pride that will nurture our collective cultural landscape for years to come.” – Simple Reflections Founder Dario Novoa.


Thank you to the Digital Creative Arts Centre, the London Music Awards, Covent Garden Market and Downtown London for sponsoring this event.


Festival | SimpleReflections (simplereflectionsforartists.com)

Watch | Facebook

FOREST CITY FUSION FESTIVAL

On August 19th from 2-11pm, visit Covent Garden Market for the Simple Reflections for Artists Festival. Experience cultural expressions by 20+ musical and dance acts, such as salsa, reggae, rock, folk, belly dancing and more. Visual artists will paint live and display their work. Market vendors will sell delicious and diverse food and drinks.


2023 is the 5th year of the festival, which is designed as an opportunity for Londoners to discover and build connections with neighbours who have deep cultural roots and have come from all over the world to make London their home.


“With the designation of London as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music, it is time to recognize and celebrate the incredible talent in our community. The Simple Reflections Festival at Covent Garden Market removes barriers for emerging artists, including young people, who are the future of our local art and culture scene” – Simple Reflections for Artists Founder Dario Novoa.


Each performer at the festival is a member of the Simple Reflections for Artists Collective, which was created to remove barriers for up-and-coming local artists to showcase their talents. Members of the Collective range from high-profile global musicians to visual and performing artists who have developed their skills in Canada. Many members of the Collective were nominated for the Forest City London Music Awards (FCLMA) this year, including the Collective Founder, Dario Novoa.


“Simple Reflections has quickly become a vital event for our community.  It brings people together and offers a snapshot into the world of many London artists.  At the same time, it stitches together multiple arts disciplines.” Mario Circelli, Founder and Chair of the FCLMA.


Thank you to the Digital Creative Arts Centre, the London Music Awards, Covent Garden Market and Downtown London for sponsoring this event. Thank you as well to every artist, dancer, musician and volunteer who makes Simple Reflections for Artists possible.

WHAT'S AT THE MARKET THIS AUGUST?!

We have a fun packed August for you London, filled with even more festivals and many indoor market treats! Don’t miss out on the summer fun, check out the details below!

Daily To-Do’s:

  • Visit our amazing Indoor vendors 7 days a week!
  • Beats & Eats EVERY Thursday in August
  • Tuesday Outdoor Farmers & Artisan Market: 4pm – 7pm
  • Saturday Outdoor Farmers Market: 8am – 1pm

Festivals:

  • Jerk Fest: August 12th & 13th
  • Forest City Fusion Festival: August 18th & 19th
  • Taco Fest: August 25th-27th