Going to market Vaudreuil-Soulanges style

Many local organizers say there is a push to feature only individually produced foods and produce from the off-island region, so much of what is on display is sold by the person who made it, or who grew it.

In keeping with that concept, the Coteau-du-Lac Outdoor Market offers only locally produced foods, products and produce.

The market just opened for its second season at the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.

Each Saturday until the end of October shoppers can stock up on home-made breads, cheeses, meats, honey, fruits, vegetables and more, all while strolling along Canadian heritage grounds dating back 6,000 years.

The Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site played a significant role in Canadian marine history and transportation because of its prime river position as a North American gateway.

In addition, the scenic Soulanges Canal bicycle path also runs parallel to the site, making it possible to spend a day shopping and cycling.

The Coteau-du-Lac Outdoor Market will run each Saturday until October 25, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site, 308-A chemin du Fleuve, Coteau-du-Lac. For information call 450 763-5631, or 450 763-5822.

Last Saturday, the Ste. Anne Public Market, in Ste. Anne de Bellevue opened for another season.

Product selection is based on items produced by artisans and farmers, said market supervisor Lisa Ann Briand.

Each weekend vendors gather to sell organic or hand-crafted ethnic foods, cheeses, meats, baked products, freshly made honey and more.

Locally grown and organic fruits, vegetables and plants are also sold throughout the season.

The Ste. Anne de Bellevue outdoor market takes place each Saturday along the Ste Anne de Bellevue canal boardwalk, facing City Hall.

Meanwhile, Barbara Aird opened the 35th season of Finnegan's Market earlier this month on her Hudson farm.

She says the Saturday market has become a destination for quality antiques and hand-crafted goods.

Aird, says about 115 vendors sell their wares each Saturday from May until the end of October. Goods range from antique items, furniture and reproductions, to jewellery, plants, birdhouses, clothing, crafts, decorative items and a host of organic food and vegetables.

Finnegan's Market, running each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is located at 775 Main Road, Hudson. For information call: 450 458-4377.

And the Marché champêtre de Rigaud will open for its second season on June 6, and run each Friday –from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. - until October 10 (the market will close at 8 p.m. in September.)

Organizer Claude Lebel says he’s surprised to learn that many people still don’t know about Rigaud’s market since they welcomed over 20,000 visitors last year.

In keeping with the local produce theme, Lebel says the popular Friday night market offers a festive air and a place for people to stock up and “meet and greet” before the weekend.

“We’re focusing on the aspect of the old days with the local grower coming to sell his things and the community getting together at the end of the week,” Lebel said.

As many as 20 farmers and food producers will offer good like: honey, breads, strawberries and fruit, preservative free jams and jellies, ground grown cherries, beef, fudge, goats’ cheeses, lambs’ meat, pepper sauces, and more.

Exotic fare ranges from pintade, or African Guinea fowl meat, hydromel, a honey flavoured liquor, and other “surprises” that Lebel promises each week.

New this year will be outdoor entertainment held at the Park Desjardins stage. The shows, which begin in July, will feature entertainment such as comedians, hypnotists, low-key musicians and such.

Lebel says the acts will not be loud or drown out the friendly atmosphere.

The Marché champêtre de Rigaud will open on June 6 and run each Friday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., at the corner of rue Saint-Viateur and St Jean Baptiste, Rigaud.

For more information go to: www.marchechampetrerigaud.com