Good morning, Brant County. "In Brantford, we don't wait for the storm to pass—we dance in the rain and then warm up with local coffee." 😄

In today’s ‘From Brant County’ newsletter:

• #14 Local Business Spotlight - Embracing the Heart of Local Farmers Markets  

• Brantford Author Wins Prestigious Amazon Canada Award

• What’s Happenin’

Let’s get to it.

The Digest

"Brantford Author Wins the Prestigious Amazon Canada First Novel Award"

Alicia Elliott, a talented Mohawk writer and editor based in Brantford, triumphed at the 2024 Amazon Canada First Novel Award ceremony on Thursday, June 6. Her captivating novel, And Then She Fell, earned her this prestigious honor and a $60,000 prize. Elliott stood out among the finalists for the Amazon Canada and The Walrus awards, showcasing her exceptional storytelling prowess.

#14 Local Business Spotlight

Embracing the Heart of Local Farmers Markets

The farmer’s market is a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds, the hustle and bustle of friendly vendors and eager shoppers. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables glisten with morning dew, their vivid hues reflecting the promise of rich, earthy flavors. The air is filled with the aroma of the earth and fragrant herbs, mingling with the cheerful banter and laughter of the community. Every visit is an adventure, offering a feast for the senses and a connection to the land and the passionate farmers who cultivate it.

So next time you need groceries, skip the supermarket and explore the rich, rewarding world of local farms, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands. Your taste buds, your community, and your planet will thank you.

Here are 17 farmers markets you can explore in the Brant County area and beyond:

1. Brantford Farmers' Market—Established in 1848, this market is a cornerstone of the community. It offers a wide range of produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and flowers. It operates year-round on Fridays and Saturdays.

2. Paris Farmers' Market - Located in the picturesque town of Paris, this market features local produce, baked goods, and crafts. It operates seasonally on Thursdays from June to Thanksgiving.

3. St. George Farmers' Market—This charming market in the village of St. George is known for its local produce, artisanal goods, and community events. It typically runs on Saturdays from May through October.

4. Harrisburg Farmers' Market—This small but vibrant market in the village of Harrisburg offers fresh produce, homemade goods, and more.

5. Mount Pleasant Farmers' Market - This market in Mount Pleasant showcases local farmers' fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

6. Burford Farmers' Market - In the heart of Burford, this market provides a selection of local fruits, vegetables, and artisanal items, operating seasonally.

7. Browndale Farm and Market—A bit further out but worth the trip, Browndale offers fresh produce directly from its farm and various local goods.

8. The Paris Wincey Mills Co. - A historical building turned market, offering a mix of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and crafts from local vendors, open year-round.

9. Glen Morris Farmers' Market - A smaller, community-focused market featuring local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts, open seasonally in Glen Morris.

10. Little Brown Cow Dairy and Farm Store—Located in Brantford, this store offers a variety of dairy products, meats, and produce, all sourced directly from the farm.

11. Knill Farms - Situated on Brant County Highway 2, Princeton, they provide grain-fed meats, seasonal produce, and eggs. You can place orders online or visit the farm directly

12. MicroBliss - Based in Paris, this farm specializes in organic microgreens grown year-round. They offer delivery within Brant County and surrounding areas.

13. Josmar Acres—Located in Lynden, this farm offers a wide range of seasonal produce, including strawberries, sweet corn, pumpkins, farm-fresh eggs, and baked goods.

14. Sovereign Farms - This farm offers fresh produce, honey, and eggs in Waterford. They also have a variety of plants and flowers available seasonally

15. River's Edge Goat Dairy - This farm near Arthur provides fresh goat cheese, milk, eggs, and other dairy products.

16. Brantview Apples and Cider—Located in St. George, this store offers a variety of apples, fresh cider, and homemade baked goods. During apple season, they also offer pick-your-own options.

17. Murphy's Country Produce—Located in Binbrook, this store offers a wide range of fresh produce, including asparagus, strawberries, pumpkins, and farm-fresh eggs.

These farms provide fresh, locally grown products and support sustainable, community-focused agricultural practices. Visiting them is a great way to enjoy fresh food and support local farmers.

@FROMBRANTCOUNTY

I Love Belinda’s photo called ‘You Can Grow Anywhere’; it's so true

In the silent embrace of an ancient rock, roots weave their intricate tapestry, defying the impossible. They twist and turn, finding life where none was promised, whispering secrets of resilience. Each tendril, a testament to tenacity, clings to the unyielding stone, transforming it into a cradle of growth. They flourish here amid the harsh and unforgiving, a living ode to the boundless spirit that declares, "You can grow anywhere."

📸@Belinda J Clements Photography

Tag @FromBrantCounty to get your photos in our newsletter!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

📚Reading Club Launch Party Time: June 28, 2024, 10:00 am - July 2, 2024, 8:00 pm. │During branch open hours at all branches. Celebrate the launch of TD Summer Reading Club at the County of Brant Public Library! │ Discover new books, create a craft of your choice, and explore all the library offers this summer. All ages are welcome! County of Brant Public Library (Paris), 12 William St. Paris, ON

🔬Shoot, Score, Science, and More! │ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. │ Kids ages 6 – 12 are invited to participate in a fun, hands-on STEM workshop at the Library. Brantford Public Library (Main Branch); shoot, roll, jump, and glide at │ 173 Colborne Street, Brantford, ON │ Take a test to discover where your dominance lies. Create a sculpture to investigate how throwing a ball affects your balance. Discover physics by engineering a better hockey puck and building a mini golf course. Join us as we shoot, score, and explore the science of sport.

🤸‍♂️Wind down the week with a session of yoga at the Main Library. │ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM │Yoga in the Library. Brantford Public Library (Main Branch)│173 Colborne St. Brantford, ON

🍛Bobs ur Funkle; │June 28, 2024, 7:00 - 11:00 PM │Doors open at 5:30 pm. │ Dinners will be available shortly after. │The menu varies from week to week. Admission is $5. per person. Entertainment runs from 7:00 to 11:00 pm in the main hall, upstairs at │Brantford Polish Hall, 154 Pearl St., Brantford.

⛪Church Garage Sale, │Saturday, June 29. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM │At Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, │715 Mt. Pleasant Rd. from 8 a.m. until noon. │Houseware, furniture, books, crafts, and more. Rain or shine.

🎊 Riverside Reading Festival │June 29, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. │Join us for a day of in-person readings by local and award-winning Canadian authors and exhibitions by local organizations and independent publishers. Craft activities for kids will be available all day at the County of Brant Public Library tent. This is a free public event. All ages are welcome. │Walter Williams Amphitheatre, Lions Park 60 Laurel St, Paris, ON

🏹Rod and Gun Club Archery, 11:00 AM—2:00 PM │Brant Rod and Gun Club Archery is open Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. │Please email [email protected] for more information. │54 Henderson Road, Brantford, ON.

🎭Mike Thorpe Matinee │June 29, 2024, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm │Royal Canadian Legion Branch 463 (South Brant Legion) 72 King Street North, Oakland, ON

💃Sunday Singles Dances Doors open at 6:15 pm. │Music by DJ Brian. The music starts at 7 pm and continues to 11 pm. │ Admission $15. per person. The dress code is in effect; no jeans are permitted. │The event occurs in the main hall, upstairs at the Brantford Polish Hall, 154 Pearl St., Brantford.

🎸 Music on the Waterfront │ Waterfront Stage – Pier 8 │ Free Concert │ Join us every Thursday evening from June 6 - August 29, │ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (weather permitting) │ Please bring a lawn chair or blanket. 47 Discovery Drive, Hamilton │ June 27 Danny Boy Phelan│ July 4 The Barbara Jordan Swing Jazz Band │July 11 Mike Stevenson │ July 18 Solstice

🍁 MARK YOUR CALENDARS. Brantford's Canada Day event is coming up soon, on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex. Enjoy free live music on the OLG Main Stage with David Wilcox and the Spoons, kids' entertainment with PAW Patrol and the Trolls, a KidZone carnival and midway, and much more. │ A spectacular fireworks display will close the day's activities at 10 p.m. Learn more at www.Brantford.ca/CanadaDay │It’s going to be so much fun!!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

Brantford's Plan to Tackle Traffic Problems

Mayor Kevin Davis warns that the city must urgently address a looming "traffic crisis" projected to worsen significantly over the next decade.

He pointed out that while the pandemic had temporarily alleviated traffic issues, the congestion is now back with a vengeance, especially during peak hours when these key routes reach capacity.

Davis predicts that the situation will worsen exponentially as development progresses in areas such as Oak Park Road, Highway 403, and east of the Olde School Restaurant on Powerline Road. These developments will generate approximately 20,000 jobs over the next 10 to 15 years. Concurrently, the Shellard Lane area is projected to become home to 25,000 new residents, many of whom will likely be commuting to jobs in the Oak Park Road-Highway 403 area.

The mayor stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive traffic management plan to address these challenges.

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LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

The Johnny Cash Songbook.  | Live at the Woodstock Market Theatre. Sunday, June 30th, 2 PM Matinee.

Trail Mix LIVE, at The Brantford Farmers Market | 79 Icomm Drive, Brantford, ON | Dates, 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month | Free Event; Time 9:00am to 1:30pm

Rivers Roots Music Festival; July 5-6th, Paris Agricultural Society; 139 Silver Street, Paris, ON | Featuring Dallas Smith, Russell Dickerson, Randy Houser, James Barker Band, The Washboard Union, Aaron Goodvin, Hailey Benedict, The Prairie States. | For all ages.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading ‘FROM BRANT COUNTY’; we truly appreciate it. 

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Let’s do this again next week. 👋

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