On October 31, 2016 the current Talbotville Berry Farm produce stand, in operation since 1969, will close its doors for the last time. On November 25 a new market with a new vision will open in its place.
Gerry and Shirley Simpson currently operate the produce stand and farm originally started by her parents Peter and Mary Oostvogels. The pair work to keep the family dream alive. Expanding on their dream they sell home-grown produce, preserves and baked goods, support other local growers and producers, host school field trips, and run Fun Fall Family Weekends that include a corn maze (haunted after dark), and wagon rides during the month of October.
The new 4,000 square foot market will encompass everything that life-long customers have come to love about Talbotville Berry Farm with lots of exciting new additions. Firstly the market will go from a seasonal operation to one that is open year-round, seven days a week. Longer hours will also allow customers on their way to and from work to access new fresh local products that will be stocking the market’s shelves.
“We are very excited about these changes and so are our customers,” says Shirley.
In addition to new local meat and cheese products, the market will also offer healthy farm-made meals as an option for busy families on the go. Trays and gift baskets showcasing local food products will also be available for purchase. Everything featured in these baskets will either be made at the farm or by another local producer.
The new market will include a coffee shop that opens early so that people can stop in on their way to work and get a homemade muffin, breakfast sandwich, and a cup of delicious coffee.
Additionally, the new market will include a community room that will be utilized for weekly community programming. Baby Yoga, Mom and Tot programs, seniors’ lunches using local produce, vendor markets, and seasonal craft shows featuring local artisans are just a few of the activities that Shirley sees in the market’s future. The room will also be available to rent for private functions and corporate events.
Shirley and Gerry hope that the new market will act as a community hub for locals.
“We want our market to be a place where everyone feels welcome and comes to reconnect with each other, with their farmer, and with their food.”
For more information about the new market at Talbotville Berry Farm visit www.talbotvilleberryfarm.com or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TalbotvilleBerryFarmElginCounty/?fref=ts.