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Whether you’re looking to step back in time and delve into the apple industry’s roots locally or the historic hops barn’s journey, or want to get up-close with some antique tractors, you can do it all at this weekend’s “Ag Day at the Cod” celebration at the Codrington Farmers’ Market.
A new addition for the market now in its 11th year, it’s all about shining a light on the importance of agriculture in the community, says Liana Palmer, treasurer and one of seven volunteers who power the volunteer-run market.
The celebration will be an all-day affair at the 2992 County Rd. 30 market this Sunday, Aug. 17, and there’s so much happening that market hours have been extended from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Palmer gives us a glimpse of what visitors can expect this Sunday.
In addition to vintage and current farming equipment, displays will shine a line on apple and dairy industries through the decades, let people learn how crops are grown and food gets to families’ tables. The day is designed to serve as a showcase of the evolution of agriculture, and just how innovative farming has become. There will also be displays and artifacts from the canning and fishing industries, to name a few more.
And with the addition of the 1880s’ hops kiln barn at the property, attendees can also dive into the story of how this barn was saved from destruction and the significance of the hops industry back in the day.
Palmer tells us the market is getting some help from a popular historian for the big day.
“He’s going to talk about the importance of the hops industry to Brighton in the 1800s – plus, the story of where this little barn was built and how it ended up in Codrington,” explains Palmer, while adding that’s not all.
Additional special guests include Brighton Fire and Rescue with plans to brings a vintage pumper, as well as a current truck. The Brighton Garden Club – which is marking its 100th year in 2025 – will also have a tent and displays set up, says Palmer.
Adding to the festivities will be kid’s activities, live music, gift basket giveaways, the tearoom set up inside the Codrington Community Centre, and more, along with all the market’s regular produce vendors, artisans and snack vendors set up in their usual spots.
“Codrington is a centre of agriculture so we do want to celebrate it and so that’s why we decided to do this,” explains Palmer, adding volunteers are also drawing inspiration from a previous popular initiative in Brighton.
But that’s not the case in Codrington and so it’s time to bust out the old tractors and let people get to know as many faces of local agriculture as possible, adds Palmer.
“It’s all free, and we’d like to see the whole family and we welcome everyone …”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
