By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Farmers’ market vendor Marc Brunet celebrated 60 years of fruitful business throughout the Cornwall area Saturday.
Brunet’s managed the Cornwall farmers’ market, now located in The Brick’s parking lot off Pitt Street, since the inception of the Seaway Valley Fruit & Growers Association in 1983.
He got his start in the business back in 1953, helping out his parents when it was located behind city hall and the fire station.
But September 13, 2014, was no ordinary day at the market. MPP Jim McDonell presented him with a certificate of achievement to acknowledge his milestone anniversary.
Meanwhile, the St. Raphaels resident was constantly congratulated by the crowd of shoppers and patrons, as many of the site’s vendors paid tribute to him.
Moose Creek’s Wild Rose Organic Farm provided complimentary snacks and Maxville’s Swiss Farmer Bakery served up cake supported by contributions from participating vendors.
“I keep this family tradition alive because I love growing vegetables – this is my passion” said Brunet. “Speaking with people about the produce, what’s available at the market, and helping them eat healthy is worth driving out year after year.”
Despite there being so many varitites of food in local grocery stores, he believes people keep coming back to farmers’ markets because it’s fresh, local, and sociable experience.
“Coming here becomes a part of you,” he said. “People want fresh produce to bring home to their families, and to visit with their favourite vendors.”
The Cornwall farmers’ market located at 1525 Pitt Street runs Saturdays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to noon.
For more information about the Cornwall farmers’ market, click here.
