MARKET MUSINGS

August 19, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jan Freedman

This past Saturday was another day of glorious sunny, warm weather at the Aurora Farmers’ Market and Artisan Fair.
Visitors to the market were entertained by a singer performing from the bandshell and the mood was very upbeat. We weren’t quite as busy as the previous two Saturdays but the crowd was steady.
Those who attended the market were treated to an amazing array of summer produce. We had ever-bearing strawberries, raspberries, wild and cultivated blueberries, sugar pears, plums of several varieties, peaches and nectarines available. Among the vegetables, there were too many to list but included broccoli, cauliflower, beets, summer and winter squash, beans and peas – a veritable cornucopia of nature’s bounty at this time of year.
The next new vendor I am introducing is an artisan who is located in the park. His name is David Campbell Sampson and he owns Sampson Fire Equipment Ltd. in Aurora at 226 Edward Street. He started the business in 1990 with a $3,000 loan and a used Mazda truck. He finds it hard to believe that it had been 25 years and is looking forward to the next 25 years.
They sell and service Fire Protection Equipment in the commercial industrial sector and cover all of the GTA. The products and services they provide include testing and servicing fire alarm and sprinkler systems as well as emergency lighting and fire extinguishers. They also will service fire extinguishers in the homes of Aurora and Newmarket residents. Their customers range from small businesses to large corporations.
With a great staff onboard, David has found a bit of time to develop a hobby type of business. He takes old fire extinguishers that would end up in landfill and repurposes them. The old extinguishers are stripped down and all labelling is removed. The powder inside is emptied and recycled. When finished, David has a perfect metal cylinder as a canvas ready for painting. His slogan is, “The old has gone the new has come” which is from the Bible. He enjoys this new hobby so much that he has accumulated many painted extinguishers now looking for homes.
David decided that he needed some feedback on his new endeavor and decided to apply to the Aurora Farmers’ Market and Artisan Fair. He looked at being at the market as his research and development phase and has been enjoying the experience. He believed that he had to face reality to determine whether people were attracted to what he created or would the artwork end up in the attic. He is delighted that, after a mere three Saturdays at the market, the response has been positive and he has sold several painted fire extinguishers.
So, he feels that his hobby will be continuing. He is finished at the market for August but will be returning for a few more Saturdays in September and October. In the interim, you can always call him at the warehouse in Aurora to make an appointment to view/buy the extinguishers: 905-758-7973.You can view his work at www.fullmetalcanvas.com
The next Special Event is this Saturday, August 22 when we will host our annual Community Corn Roast.
The BBQ is being provided by Crabby Joe’s and they will supervise the barbecuing. Our Council Liaison, Sandra Humfryes is bringing some Town Councillors to assist with handing out the corn, which has been donated by our farmers.
We will have noted musician Lawrence Moule’s Jazz Two providing the music and there will be crafts for the children and face painting. Several of our occasional vendors will be present, including the Aurora Public Library and the Historical Society who are selling Hoedown tickets.
See you at the Market!