If you haven’t had your fill of berries yet this summer (and let’s face it, can you ever really get enough of just-picked, fresh berries?) you still have time to head over to the East Lynn Farmers’ Market for some seasonal goodies. Freezing berries is a great way to preserve them at their peak freshness for later use. There’s no better way to get the taste of summer in the midst of winter. And there’s a lot of other local produce at the market right now, including the first tomatoes, fresh onions and garlic! You’re sure to find some great inspirations for your summer meals.
The lineup…
Dwayne Gamree is a rock/folk/pop singer-songwriter and recording artist who recently migrated from Mumbai to Toronto. He says: “I have spent the last 15 years immersed in the music industry, working across advertising, OTT platforms, Bollywood, touring with my band Bombay Buzzar, and performing solo live for corporate and private events. My independent work has been recognized—I was awarded Rising Male Artist at the Indian Independent Music Awards (2022) for my single “Sprinkle That” and won the 94.3 Radio One International Icon (India) in December 2024, followed by the release of an acoustic album, Based.”
It’s about gardens and bugs in the Kids’ Zone this week with Pegasus Dance Studios. Kids will be able to play with puppets and instruments, and enjoy some song and dance. They’ll also be able to make a caterpillar or bumblebee craft. Pegasus Dance Studios is a warm, welcoming space where children grow through dance, creativity, and connection. Since 1986, Pegasus has nurtured confidence, joy, and self-expression in every child, both in and beyond the studio
Also in the Kids’ Zone is Meaningful Spanish Lessons: Maria is a Spanish teacher based on the Danforth, currently teaching at the Teaching Space. She runs Spanish workshops for kids and is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the market’s activities.
In the Kidpreneur tent, Alicia’s Figurines features handmade clay figurines. A portion of the profits will go to Sick Kids for cancer research. This is Alicia’s third summer in the Kidpreneur program. She says: “I really appreciate that this program exists, because it helps kids share their creations, and teaches us how to run a business.” Colourful Keychains will also be in the Kidpreneur tent. Proceeds from Colourful Keychains will go to support Earth Rangers.
Popup vendors this week are The Spice Drawer, with artisanal, handcrafted spice blends, and Charby’s Craft Sauces with their small-batch, award-winning hot sauces and pepper jellies. Muddy York provides the beer.
Club Sandwich is in the Community Booth. Club Sandwich makes sandwiches for 9 east end missions that serve the food insecure population. As always, DECA will be in the tent to stamp Market Passports, provide cloth produce bags and answer any market or neighbourhood questions.
Finally, in anticipation of our annual Bike Day on August 28, Pedalheads is giving away a gift certificate for a one-week half-day camp ($410 value, expires Aug 28/25). Email green@deca.to to enter the draw!