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Thank you for coming back; this is our seventh 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. Today, we would like you to meet Pat & Mike

Interest and inspiration ignited within Pat and Mike when they embarked on their journey to matrimony, they harboured a heartfelt desire to memorialize their union through a pair of exquisitely engraved whiskey glasses. However, their initial inquiry was met with lackluster customer service and a very expensive price tag. This encounter etched itself into their memories, a subtle omen of their future endeavours.

Not long after, life took an unexpected turn when Pat’s father fell ill, necessitating her departure from her job to be able to care for him. It was during this trying period that Pat tried to just keep busy – so she bought her first-ever engraving pen. The act of engraving her first glass unlocked a newfound passion, and she thought to share her creations on Facebook. To her delight and astonishment, a friend reached out with a request for an engraved item. This serendipitous opportunity allowed her to continue exploring the art of engraving.

Word of her talents began to take flight, and a friend of theirs from Scott’s corner took all of their Christmas shopping to Pat. Encouraged by the growing interest, Pat and Mike decided to establish an online presence, birthing “Guindon Creations.” Their ambitions swelled, leading to research into the acquisition of a professional laser engraving machine. In 2021, they took the plunge and made the investment, expanding their creative horizons to include intricate metal pieces and more complex creations.

Their work garnered widespread acclaim, prompting their presence at Gibraltar Weekend Market. Realizing that balancing home-based work and weekend market commitments was unsustainable, they approached the Covent Garden Market management for a permanent spot. The transition was swift, with Pat and Mike quickly establishing themselves as staples in the Market. Their timely arrival coincided with the Christmas season, yielding their most profitable month to date.

In this bustling market environment, Pat and Mike found kindred spirits among fellow vendors and customers, their vibrant personalities harmonizing seamlessly with the market’s vivacity. One of their most challenging projects was the engraving of a very large bell, presenting unprecedented dimensions. Yet, they triumphed over this difficult undertaking. Their favourite labour of love, initiated in March, has been an intricate and grand chess set. Meticulously crafted, it has consumed countless hours, resulting in an astonishing masterpiece.

Today, Pat and Mike have woven the essence of meaning into their engravings, treating each piece as if it were their own. They infuse their creations with love, care, and meticulous attention to detail. Their goal is not only to evoke cherished memories but also to create new ones for their customers, ensuring that the experience of acquiring their art is as memorable as the art itself.

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, September 2nd 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
• Joyce Farms; fresh strawberries
• Thames River Melons, fresh strawberries, melons, produce & jams
• Berrylicious Fruit Farm; fresh blueberries
• 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
• London Sandwich Co.; handcrafted gourmet breakfast sandwiches
• The Brisket Man; hardwood smoked brisket & pulled pork
• 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

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Jaime Pena. Jaime will be demonstrating how to make a Pesto-Mayo Chicken Panini.

SATURDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

• Saturday, September 2 | Jaime Pena – Pesto Mayo Chicken Panini
• Saturday, September 9 | Doreen Kool – Lentil Kabobs on Celeriac & Chicken Celeriac Tacos on Lentil Shells
• Saturday, September 16 | Kimi Abdullah – Fall Salads
• Saturday, September 23 | Polina Shadman – Persian Appetizers – Gluten free & some vegan options available
• Saturday, September 30 | Jaime Pena – Burgers

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

Just a friendly reminder we are taking a break from the Sunday Cooking Demo’s as are are going to be introducing a new sampling program in the coming weeks! Stay tuned for more information.

Reminder: the Market will be closed Monday for Labour Day; we’ll be back in action with our regular hours starting Tuesday the 5th. Your continued support means the world to us, and we are excited to see everyone on Tuesday morning!