On one special evening this summer, residents of Halton will be treated to a curated exposé of local talented creators selling their products in an open-air environment. Each participant will be offering shoppers various goods as well as the opportunity to share ideas – and cocktails – and the love of local.
You’ll find makers selling decorative objects, furniture, clothing, paper, soap, food, spirits, beer and wine, and more. What defines a maker for this market is essentially anyone making goods by hand, using the most local ingredients or materials possible, with the purpose of selling their goods in volume at fair prices. “These people wake up nervous not knowing if anyone will ever care, and yet they are pulled back to the saw, the skillet, or kiln, or still and fermenter, and they make it happen,” explains organizer, Barry Imber.
Everyone has their own story as to what drove them to pursue their entrepreneurial passion and create something for others. It’s those stories that Imber wants to convey. “That’s the heart of what we’re trying to get at,” he says. “What I think we find fascinating is the beauty embodied in a purposeful hand-made object. For example, we can even relate to a loaf of bread for its artisanal beauty, and admire and appreciate the work that the person has put in to make it.”
There’s no doubt there will always be people who are excellent at what they do, which Imber says is fantastic, but he searched for something more. “We’re looking for people that can engage with customers and promote their idea, and by their actions show what it means to be entrepreneurial.”
The success of Centro’s weekly farmer’s market is already an indication of how much we all love local. “We’re all really just sharing in a community idea,” expresses Imber, adding that everyone benefits. “Even when someone just comes and buys vegetables, they get something more; they leave with the vegetables, plus they had a good time, and they feel like they live in a great community.”
By: Becky Dumais
Participating Makers (at time of posting)
Shed Pottery
Chef Andrew McLeod
El Gastro
Bookhou
Provisions Food Company
Freshly Printed
Georgette Packaging
Wandering Locavore
Mod Pieces
Oast House Brewers
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillery
The Black and Tan Trading Co.
Maker’s Market @ Centro Garden
July 18, 4 – 10pm
Centro Parking Lot, 437 Brant Street off of John Street,
Downtown Burlington
