I popped my identity at the Aurora Farmers Market, just like popcorn, Yes, I blew my cover at the Aurora Farmers Market on Saturday. But really, what cover? I never had one. I just never told anyone what I do or who I am—I simply take candid photos and write about them on my blog.
I missed the 2012 grand opening of the Aurora Farmers Market last week, but not yesterday. There’s always something for everyone to buy, whether it’s to bring home, eat on-site, or just enjoy some time chatting with others, while the kids have fun at the market.
The three of us usually follow our own routine: we walk around, check out the vendors, grab some hot, fresh popcorn, and then enjoy playtime with Matthew at the playground. Oh, and of course, I take photos!
We finally arrived at the scene just before lunch, and it felt like déjà vu. Nothing had changed since last year—same guys, same yellow and red colours, and of course, the same great and delicious kettle popcorn at the Cracklin’ Kettle Corn stand. They never fail to offer a free sample, even if you’re a returning customer who already knows how good it is.
This year, however, was different because we got to know the faces behind the popping popcorn—Johnmark Cooper and Steven Ratnik.
Well, before we got our popcorn, there were a few questions, a few answers, and one conclusion—“We know who you are?” Then came a few more questions, a few more answers, a photo shoot, and finally, we got our popcorn.
But I have my own conclusion. Something tells me these guys know more than just the popcorn business. There were too many technical questions for it to be all about popcorn.
Why not share some answers here?
The Living in Aurora blog was first created on Blogger in August 2009. In March 2011, I migrated to the WordPress platform, and since then, everything has flourished. I now average about 1,400 visits and over 3,000 page views per month.
Most of my visitors are from Aurora and the surrounding areas, but I do get traffic from beyond Ontario and even Canada. Once in a blue moon, someone from Asia will visit, searching for Aurora, Ontario—strange but true. I have about 50 subscribers through email and feeds. The site is pretty bulletproof, and my spam box rarely fills up. The rule for this blog is simple: Aurora only. (Aurora only for former LivingInAurora Dot CA)
Overall, I can confidently say that it’s been a very good year, and I’m happy with the results for the blog—much like a farmer’s market that’s likely satisfied with its own success. Visitors came and went continuously, creating a steady flow of energy and engagement. It’s been a rewarding experience, witnessing the interest and support from the community, just as vendors at the market must feel about the attention and business they receive. I’m excited to see what the next year brings!
Now, back to some of my photo observations. It was so refreshing to see a child eating cucumber—something you don’t often see. It was also nice to spot someone biking to the market, though I wondered if he was just cutting through.
The irresistible aroma, which couldn’t be captured in a photograph, wafted through the air from the Big Grill and convinced us to buy a bag of popcorn right behind their booth.
One of these days, we’ll start our morning with a leisurely breakfast, grab a snack from one of the vendors, get some exercise at the playground, and then sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch at the market. As we head into the second year of visiting, our trips to the market just keep getting better and better. Each visit brings something new—whether it’s a different food to try, an interesting person to meet, or simply the joy of being part of the lively atmosphere. It’s becoming a perfect routine that we look forward to more and more with each trip.
It’s also a place where children can create lasting memories. Maybe one day, Matthew will reminisce about how we took him to the market, just as I often recall the trips my parents took us on to local fairs. Back then, my favourite purchases were always the same—lollipops and cotton candy. The simple pleasures of those moments stuck with me, and I hope that, years from now, Matthew will look back on our visits to the market with the same fondness and nostalgia.
After all this writing, I just noticed a slight change in the name of the market. The Town of Aurora now refers to it as the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair.
