The joy of markets in Ukraine

There’s something special about a stop at the market.

Maybe you go for something specific, maybe you go just to browse.

My love for markets flourished in Ukraine.

I love that they have whatever you can think of — food, clothes, housewares, electronics, car parts, and on and on and on.

I love the atmosphere, how the social aspect is as important as the buying and selling.

Maybe there’s a group of people huddled around a table playing chess. Or maybe it’s Willow Sunday and you see someone walk up to a worker at a stall to tap them with a pussy willow branch, wishing them well.

I loved how the jean vendor knows your size just by looking at you, and how if you decide to try something on, your changeroom might be a small section at the back of the stall with the vendor holding up a board that covers a quarter of your body, with her constantly turning to you to see if you have the clothing item on yet.

I love how if the stand you are at doesn’t have the right size of the sparkly platform sneaker you absolutely need, the vendor will pull out their market map then disappear for a few minutes, going to check if another stand has your size.

I love how you can get everything you need for a day of pysanky making with friends and that the person at the egg stall is kind enough to let you pick and choose which ones will work best.

I just really love markets.

That’s why I’m so excited to be spending the day selling Planted at Crampton’s Market (7730 Roblin Avenue) on Saturday, January 14.

While it’s not exactly like the markets I described above (though who knows, maybe they also have sparkly platform sneaker recommendations), Crampton’s has that same type of magnetic energy, an atmosphere you want to be a part of.

You can grab some organic produce, fresh bread, ethically raised meat and fish, and other fun items to round out your grocery haul. The store also has a nice selection of goods by local makers.

I’ll be there Saturday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a freshly brewed coffee from the cafe in hand, and I hope you can stop by. Grab a book, grab some food, and feel good about supporting local.

You can learn more about Crampton’s on the store’s website, Instagram, and Facebook.