It started a few weeks ago when Fitz’s Fries on Bridge Street opened for the season, and I noticed that the deck chairs and lifeguard stands are out at the Long Island Aquatic Club. Now I’m excited! This Saturday, spring officially arrives in Manotick!
First, Watson’s Mill opens for the summer season on Saturday. Throughout the day there will be historical interpreters and milling demonstrations, and a BBQ from 11:45 to 1:30 pm. The Mill is raising funds this summer to replace its leaky roof, so some local politicians will be on hand to support the Raise the Roof campaign.
And when the Mill is open, so is the terrific little used book sale in the carriage house building across the street. We spent a lot of time perusing its stacks last summer and have been waiting patiently through the long winter for it to re-open. If you’ve made the trip out, wander a block or two south on Dickinson to Tighe Street and check out My Toy Shop and maybe get an ice cream at the delightful HodgePodge Shoppe.
Edited to add: Was just out and about and noticed that also on Saturday, the Hodge Podge Shoppe is celebrating their 1st anniversary with door prizes, balloons, Dino Reptiles and the Junkyard Symphony. Fun!
Did you hear that there will be a new farmer’s market in Manotick this summer?
The farmers’ market is sponsored by Watson’s Mill and will be held in Dickinson Square outside the museum from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday morning beginning June 23. This year’s market is a pilot project run by volunteers rather than the usual board of directors, and could expand in the future if it goes well.
Although the details haven’t been ironed out, Roots and Shoots Farm proprietor Robin Turner, who spearheaded the idea with several local farmers, said the market will offer a beneficial alternative for residents.
“We’re gearing to make it a market where people can get a good part of their groceries for the week,†including vegetables, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats and baked goods, he said.
It will be a “producer market†meaning the vendors actually produce the food they sell, Turner added.
“There’s no reselling allowed, which means its all going to be local products. There’s an emphasis on finding producers who are as close to Manotick as possible,†he said.
I don’t know whether I’m more excited about this – a two-minute walk from my house, no less! – or the new CSA share I just signed up for from Roots and Shoots farm – which I’ll blog about as soon as I find another minute or two.
It’s shaping up to be a terrific summer in Manotick!
I am definitely going to have to make my way to that farmers market. Sounds awesome!
I grew up in Manotick, living in Toronto now, your pictures made my day!