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Always happy to see you back; this is our fifth installment of Vendor Highlights, where we dive in and explore a different vendor each week, allowing you to learn more about them and discover their story and some hidden gems.

Praneeta, the heart behind Adorn by Pree, found solace and passion in crafting polymer jewelry through an unexpected turn of events. In 2020, facing the daunting diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, life took a different course. Needing to step away from her regular job, Praneeta was looking for something to keep her mind busy during this scary time. During this period of anticipation and change, she wandered into a Michaels craft store.

Among the aisles of supplies, polymer clay beckoned to her, offering a way to fill her time and mind. With a leap of faith, she bought some clay and created her very first piece: pink and black cow print earrings. Little did she know this small spark would ignite an enduring passion within her.

With a desire to share her creations, Praneeta ventured into the online realm, establishing her shop and seeking new avenues. The year 2022 saw her presence bloom through a pop-up table at the Market; she found her place within the market community. As fate would have it, a permanent space opened up in May 2023, the growth from pop-up to her own space was an easy choice; she wanted to be in the Market that she has come to love.

She believes what sets this Market apart is not just the building or products; the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, and the gentle support that envelops everyone. Praneeta’s journey has been one of courage and endurance. A little over a month ago, she resumed chemotherapy, she faces this battle with remarkable resilience. The days when strength wanes are met with the helping hands of the Market community and the unwavering support of the Market administrators.

Amid life’s storms, she continues to pour her soul into her shop, creating pieces that echo her heart. Through the highs and lows, Praneeta’s passion remains a constant flame. Her shop stands not just as a collection of jewelry but as a testament to her unyielding passion. Every piece she creates has a touch of her warmth and a whisper of her journey.

Vendor highlights are all about shining a spotlight on the heart and soul of each vendor and learning more about the who, the what and the why around their story. If you’ve enjoyed this journey, join us again next week for another vendor and a new highlight as we continue celebrating the outstanding contributors that make our Market a genuinely magical place.

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, August 19th 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! 

• Den Besten Trout Farm; smoked rainbow trout, sausage rolls and fresh eggs
• Carver’s Natural Farms; chicken products, and fresh eggs
• Blanbrook Bison Farm; bison products
• Janssens Farm Fresh Produce; fresh produce
• Greystead Gardens; fresh produce, preserves
• Our Fields, fresh produce, preserves, honey
• Sungold Market Garden, fresh produce, honey, seedlings
• Joyce Farms; fresh strawberries
• Thames River Melons, fresh strawberries, produce, jams
• Berrylicious Fruit Farm; fresh blueberries & raspberries
• Wandering Bee Flowers, fresh cut flowers
• La Houlette de Vie; fresh baked organic naturally fermented bread
• The Whole Grain Hearth; fresh baked sour dough bread & pastries
• Pastry Culture; fresh bread, cinnamon rolls, tarts
• Helm Baked; gluten free baked goods
• Morsels, vegetarian savoury baked goods
• The Dough Joe Bakery; gourmet cookies
• Polina’s Nostalgic Treats; traditional Persian treats
• JBogal Foods; homemade frozen pierogies 
• Pillitteri Estates Winery; VQA Ontario Wines
• Proper Heathen Hot Sauce, quintessential hot sauces
• Harvest Moon Trading Co.; preserves, granola, mustards, and more
• Of The Earth Co.; handmade & holistic products with an edge
• London Sandwich Co.; handcrafted gourmet breakfast sandwiches
• Skilled Accents, sustainable handmade products
• Paradigm Spirits; whiskey, vodka, ready to drink cans, bitters
• Mia’s Paws; high-quality pet products made with hand selected raw, organic and natural ingredients
• Jumping Ovens, gourmet beef, chicken & vegetable pot pies
• London Brewing Co-Operative; organic craft beer

Brent Jackson will be performing outside on the Rotary Square from 8:30am to 10:30am.

Brent Jackson is a singer/songwriter from Toronto, and now lives in London, Ontario. Jackson is most recognized as the singer/guitarist in The Junction. The band has toured Canada and the USA countless times on their own and as supporting openers for Sloan, Hollerado and Bedouin Soundclash. The band also performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and has performed on MTV Canada twice.

Brent’s newest project is a band called Sunshine Makers; a 6 piece r&b/soul project that features a collaboration of people from London and Toronto areas.

Tyrone Traher will be performing outside on the Rotary Square from 11am to 1pm.

Tyrone Traher II, known professionally as Paris Monroe, is a Canadian singer-songwriter from London, Ontario. Traher began developing the concept of Paris Monroe in January of 2021. The purpose of Paris Monroe is to create self-aware and relentlessly honest music that captures the entire spectrum of the human experience.

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

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Polina Shadman. Polina will be demonstrating how to make Omlette Gojeh; Tomato Omlette (GF).

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 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.

This Sunday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Polina Shadman. Polina will be demonstrating how to make Potato Fritata (Vegan & GF options).

SUNDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

• 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.

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 11am – 2pm
• Saturday Outdoor Farmers Market: 8am – 1pm

Festivals:

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