Pontiacers looking to get out of the house on the weekends can now sample the bounty of this region’s farms as the local markets have opened for the season.

Pontiac Farmers market

The Pontiac Farmer’s Market started up for the season last weekend, located at R&R Farms just off Hwy. 148 outside Bryson. Organizer Ron Hodgins said that attendance was good on their opening day, noting that they had around 10 vendors selling everything from yarn to baked goods and fresh produce.

He attributed a slightly leaner turnout on May 22 to the overcast skies.

“Great turnout, today it’s down a bit [because] the weather’s maybe a little cloudy, but it’s still early yet, people will come,” he said.

In his greenhouse, Hodgins had numerous plants and hanging pots for sale, as well as a healthy crop of asparagus. He said that plenty of home gardeners had picked over his supply of flowers and vegetables, as plenty of folks are eager to get their plants in the ground.

Keeping with tradition, the market also featured a poet’s corner at 10:30, where local wordsmiths got a chance to share their work with the world (at a safe distance).

A poet’s corner took place mid-morning at the Pontiac Farmers’ Market, allowing local wordsmiths to share their work with the public.

Bristol Market

Down by the pier in Norway Bay, a sizable group of vendors gathered for the inaugural weekend of the Bristol Market. Organizer Lana Cowley said that she was pleased with the turnout of 12 businesses, adding that there would be more joining them throughout the summer.

She added that they would be introducing a guest feature spot at the market for local non-profits and businesses, such as the Chutes Coulonge or Bouffe Pontiac, allowing them to showcase their services free of charge.

“That’s one thing that we really want to implement this year,” she said, highlighting the number of visitors. “[It’s] definitely up from last year, this is the busiest it’s been. It’s such a nice diversity. We have a lot going on, lots of different stuff which is nice and the location’s perfect.”

Gema Villavicencio and her little helper Sofia Hudon represented Pure Conscience Farm at the Bristol Market on Saturday, offering everything from soap and honey to yak burgers.

There were plenty of plants for sale in the greenhouse at R&R Farms, as the Pontiac Farmers’ Market hosted the public for a second weekend on May 22.

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