Kemptville Farmers’ Market makes history electing all-female board, removes dog ban
At their Jan. 30 annual general meeting, the Kemptville Farmers’ Market elected their first-ever all-female board of directors. All of the board members are also vendors at the market.
“We’re really excited,” said board chair and Celebrate Cakes vendor, Beth Tilbury. “It seems to me that there’s a positive energy in the market.”
On Feb. 13, the board held their transition meeting from the previous board, where they decided that their first order of business would be to remove the ban on dogs at the market.
“We want people to know that they can bring well-behaved, leashed pets to the market again,” said Tilbury.
The new board members are as follows: Beth Tilbury (chair), Shaunna Wolfe (secretary), Joanne Krock (community liaison), Catherine ten Den (treasurer), Lois Wiseman (special events co-ordinator) and Nancy Olive (advertising and marketing).
Tilbury said it’s important to have market vendors on the board as they see everything from the perspective of a vendor and understand the experience.
Wiseman, is in the planning stages of establishing a special event for every month.
“Lois has some awesome ideas for special events,” said Tilbury. “It’s just really encouraging.”
Wiseman will be revamping events like the popular Strawberry Social in June and the Corn Roast in August.
Friends of the Farmers’ Market, Deron Johnston, John Barclay and Bruce Enloe, will continue to help the board in an advisory capacity.
“We’ve used Deron, John and Bruce so much as advisers,” said Tilbury. “They’ve attended our meetings, and each have a wealth of experience to offer. It’s awesome that they’ve agreed to continue helping us.”
Enloe agreed that there seems to be some new energy in the market board this year.
“The young farmers seem to be staking out their space,” he said. “It should be an interesting year.”
The board is currently seeking a new market manager, to be hired on contract. They are also looking for new vendors for this year’s market. Preference will be given to producers. Those interested should contact info@kemptvillefarmersmarket.ca.
Prospective vendors are welcome to express their interest by messaging the Kemptville Farmers’ Market Facebook page.
The opening day of the 2019 market season is slated for March 19, located in the B&H parking lot at 200 Sanders Street, and it typically runs from noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday from mid-May to October.