Article appeared in the June 23, 2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
Dennis Bobrovich
The 54-year-old former cattle farmer wants to give a taste of the “old ways” to visitors of the market, now in its fourth year, with a clay oven he built this year for pizza, an on-site U-pick, and calves and pigs casually roaming within a fenced area off to the side for the enjoyment of visiting children. This winter his year-round U-pick greenhouse should be up and running.
“This is my dream. I’m in my heaven and people just love it,” said Bobrovich.
Passers-by will recognize the market by a sea of yellow roofs of the vendors’ shelters, visible from the highway. Bobrovich cut down the trees and sawed the wood for the shelters with his own old-fashioned saw mill. He built the shelters himself, and topped them off with the bright yellow roofs he picked up from a trailer company that was closing out years ago.
Each year, he adds new elements to the market—more buildings, paths and gardens, a pond, wooden and rock sculptures, a display of antique washing machines, a flooring remnant section for cottagers, with more to come as new inspirations take hold of him.
“It’s a vision that’s never ending. I just keep building as I go.”
Bobrovich gave up the stresses of a farming lifestyle that had given him no time off. Although he works tirelessly at refining his unique farmers’ market, he views it as a labour of love.
“This is going to be the best part of my life. This is my happy place,” he stresses. Bobrovich wants all of the market visitors to feel happy when they leave. He insists that vendors have a happy attitude as well.
There are about 20 regular vendors who set up on Saturdays, and a few less on Sundays. A variety of goods are offered throughout the summer: the usual market fare, such as baking, canning, and fresh veggies. Wood-working, flower arrangements, quilting sewing, plants and used books are also for sale at the market which always has something new to offer.
Lunch is available on-site.
