NOTE: Tonight’s (Thursday, Sept. 20) farmers market has been canceled due to predicted rain and river-flood warnings.
Contributed by DENA EAKLES
Ontario Farmer’s Market organizer
The Ontario Farmer’s Market has become a great meet-up and a good way to stock up on good food and local crafts.
It will continue through Oct. 18 in a new location: the lot between the bank and the post office on Main Street. Thanks to all who have supported the venture in any way. Haven’t dropped by yet? There is still time.
The people who have participated in these markets would like to continue through fall and early winter in the basement of the Ontario Public Library. We will meet to discuss the best times and dates. We will also open a discussion on the formation of a community cooperative for all of us in the area.
New to the idea of a cooperative? There will be a brief discussion with handouts, or you can do somereading here on the history of the modern cooperatives at www.ica.coop/en/whats-co-op/history-co-operative-movement.
And you can read up on the seven basic principles of a cooperative venture here: www.ica.coop/en/whats-co-op/co-operative-identity-values-principles.
Members drive the cooperative principles, decisions are democratically made and there is a focus on education, training and information, but most significantly, cooperatives demonstrate a concern for community. It is a service we can all share.
If you would like to participate in any way, you are welcome to attend our first gathering, which will be Wednesday, Oct. 3. You will have two opportunities to be heard: 10–11:30 a.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the Ontario Public Library, 313 Main St., Ontario.
The first portion of the meeting will be regarding the future of the farmer’s markets. The second will be on the formation of a cooperative. Can’t make it but are interested? Call Dena Eakles at (608) 337-4578. Thank you.