Sutton Saturday Market will return on May 23
With all the things that have been cancelled, even Brome Fair as far away as Labour Day weekend in September, it is great news to be able to announce that the Sutton Saturday Market, in a new format, will be opening on the weekend of May 23. This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of the market! Half a century of serving local people and tourists is a significant milestone.
The first Sutton Market was opened by the Sutton Valley Council in July of 1970. It was located at Frere Andre School. In 1971 the market moved to the front of the Sutton Town Hall. By 1974 it was in its current location on Sutton Legion land. The Sutton Legion leased their land to the market. Shelter for merchants were built. To get to the market turn left at the three way stop at the Esso station and go one street past the next stop sign to Curley Street. You can’t miss it!
This summer the market will be in the same location but many things will be different. According to new provincial guidelines the market can only sell agricultural, horticultural, and prepackaged food.
The sellers at the Saturday market will have vegetables and fruit for sale, flower and vegetable plants for gardens, maple syrup products, honey, bread and baked goods, and prepared prepackaged meals. One of the objectives of the market this year will be to have more diversified food so that a greater choice is available for customers. Some of the variety of foods will include olives, olive oils, flour, mushrooms, sprouts, and black garlic. These are just a few of the added options for this summer.
No cantine is allowed to be open. There can be no benches where people can sit. Hygiene protocols set by the government have to be followed for the market to remain opened. The market will be every Saturday but the hours have also been shortened. The market will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. only.
More information is available on their Facebook site, https://www.facebook.com/marchepublicsutton/ or by going to their email, marchesuttonmarket@ gmail.com.
In these strange and troubling times, it is good to see some return to activities before COVID-19. With fewer tourists around this season, hopefully local residents will help to support and give life to this market that is celebrating its half century anniversary!