From past to present: The 43-year history of Carling Market
Wanda Davis Parry Sound North Star
After enduring apathy, bad weather, black flies, relocation and COVID-19, the market reopened in 2021 after a year’s hiatus.
Sunday, July 17, 2022 Forty-three years ago – on June 23, 1979 – the Carling Farmers’ Market made its official debut. A new resident on Deep Bay, John Kobsey – a retired school principal from Oakville – spearheaded the organization, with encouragement and support from longtime resident Irene Hailstone.
The market was located at former site of the Carling Elementary School on the corner of Richmond’s Road and Highway 559. The vendor roster for this initial farmers’ market boasted several family surnames that currently reside in Carling Township: Lori and Vivian Konoval, Walter and Mary Trakalo, Irene Hailstone, Ruth Fry, Elinor Christie and John and Isabel Kobsey. Dick Marshall joined the ranks in 1980 and can still be found making a random visit to share his preserves and daffodil bulbs.
Over the course of time the market evolved and was identified as the Carling Market when the focus changed from farming and gardening to attracting tourists. From all accounts the market was well attended and a popular gathering spot for friends and neighbours to meet every Saturday morning throughout the summer months.
In early 2000s, interest and attendance began to wane, so the committee now in charge initiated more rigorous advertising, innovative marketing techniques and even published a cookbook to rejuvenate participation throughout the area.
Later innovations at the market included special event days: Quiltmania, Dogfest, Kids’ Day, Christmas in July, etc. Also introduced was a Thanksgiving fundraiser that combined a buffet breakfast, silent auction and vendors – with all proceeds donated to various worthy groups: London Health Sciences, Habitat for Humanity, Parry Sound Hospital, Carling Fire Department, Salvation Army, Raise the Roof, Optimist Club Youth, Harvest Share and Bob Rumball Camp for the Deaf. Over $30,000 was raised over the years.
Although we’ve endured apathy, bad weather, black flies, relocation and COVID-19, the market reopened in 2021 after a year’s hiatus. We maintained 30 seasonal vendors as well as 30 occasionals.
Due to renovations on the rink, the planned Thanksgiving fundraiser was cancelled last autumn, but we did stage the Christmas fundraiser on Nov. 14. It was attended by 60 vendors, approximately 700 guests, Santa and his elf, the COVID mobile vaccination bus, plus several Carling Township dignitaries. Money raised was utilized for Christmas baskets, needy families, Harvest Church, Helping Hands and goodwill donations throughout the community.
We have refrained from jurying our vendors as we consider ourselves an equal opportunity market and may the best vendor win! We look forward to a busy season this year and welcome you to participate in “Sharing Summer’s Best” with us, your Carling Market team.
Wanda Davis Parry Sound North Star
After enduring apathy, bad weather, black flies, relocation and COVID-19, the market reopened in 2021 after a year’s hiatus.
Sunday, July 17, 2022 Forty-three years ago – on June 23, 1979 – the Carling Farmers’ Market made its official debut. A new resident on Deep Bay, John Kobsey – a retired school principal from Oakville – spearheaded the organization, with encouragement and support from longtime resident Irene Hailstone.
The market was located at former site of the Carling Elementary School on the corner of Richmond’s Road and Highway 559. The vendor roster for this initial farmers’ market boasted several family surnames that currently reside in Carling Township: Lori and Vivian Konoval, Walter and Mary Trakalo, Irene Hailstone, Ruth Fry, Elinor Christie and John and Isabel Kobsey. Dick Marshall joined the ranks in 1980 and can still be found making a random visit to share his preserves and daffodil bulbs.
Over the course of time the market evolved and was identified as the Carling Market when the focus changed from farming and gardening to attracting tourists. From all accounts the market was well attended and a popular gathering spot for friends and neighbours to meet every Saturday morning throughout the summer months.
In early 2000s, interest and attendance began to wane, so the committee now in charge initiated more rigorous advertising, innovative marketing techniques and even published a cookbook to rejuvenate participation throughout the area.
Later innovations at the market included special event days: Quiltmania, Dogfest, Kids’ Day, Christmas in July, etc. Also introduced was a Thanksgiving fundraiser that combined a buffet breakfast, silent auction and vendors – with all proceeds donated to various worthy groups: London Health Sciences, Habitat for Humanity, Parry Sound Hospital, Carling Fire Department, Salvation Army, Raise the Roof, Optimist Club Youth, Harvest Share and Bob Rumball Camp for the Deaf. Over $30,000 was raised over the years.
Although we’ve endured apathy, bad weather, black flies, relocation and COVID-19, the market reopened in 2021 after a year’s hiatus. We maintained 30 seasonal vendors as well as 30 occasionals.
Due to renovations on the rink, the planned Thanksgiving fundraiser was cancelled last autumn, but we did stage the Christmas fundraiser on Nov. 14. It was attended by 60 vendors, approximately 700 guests, Santa and his elf, the COVID mobile vaccination bus, plus several Carling Township dignitaries. Money raised was utilized for Christmas baskets, needy families, Harvest Church, Helping Hands and goodwill donations throughout the community.
We have refrained from jurying our vendors as we consider ourselves an equal opportunity market and may the best vendor win! We look forward to a busy season this year and welcome you to participate in “Sharing Summer’s Best” with us, your Carling Market team.
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