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Orangeville holistic market celebrates 30th anniversary
Friday August 29 2008
By RICHARD VIVIAN Banner Staff Writer
Staff, including aromatherapist Carrole Blakeman, of Harmony Whole Foods Market in Orangeville celebrates it's 30th anniversary by hosting a variety of activities for customers.
 
A “groundswell” of interest in organic food and natural products has contributed to several growth spurts for an Orangeville store. Next week Harmony Whole Foods Market celebrates 30 years in businesses.
“This growth is incredible. Our whole store was probably the size of the back room initially — we have grown tremendously,” Nicky French, community outreach co-ordinator says, while reflecting on the store’s history. “It’s the support of the community ... that has allowed us to grow like this.”
The store, now located across from the Orangeville Mall on First Street, spent about a decade establishing itself as a natural products store on Broadway. Spurred by increasing demand, the market has since relocated twice — growing both times.
“I really believe that a lot of the reason Orangeville is such a hot spot for holistic healers and complementary therapies is because Jennifer [Grant] had the vision to start this store 30 years ago,” French says of the founder and owner. “That ... made it a comfortable community in which these practitioners could support their businesses.
“It also expanded everybody’s comfort zone within the town.”
Harmony Whole Foods Market specializes in organic and fair-trade food, as well as natural supplements and personal care products. It also has a literary section.
To celebrate three decades in business, and continuing, the store is hosting a slate of anniversary activities. Among them are two fundraisers, with proceeds dedicated to Family Transition Place, the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association building fund and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals, Orangeville and district branch.
The first fundraiser, dubbed Event in the Tent, set for next Friday (3 to 7 p.m.) gives locals an opportunity to check out and experience a range of holistic therapies and treatments. Practitioners will be providing their services free of charge, though donations are welcome.
“It’s to help support local practitioners and also to allow our customers to experience different modalities,” French says, noting pre-registration is required.
The next day, a ceremonial cake cutting will be followed by a charity barbecue (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Several other events are planned.
“Normally we celebrate customer appreciation week in September. This year ... because we’re celebrating 30 years, we wanted this to be extra spectacular,” French says.
“We want it to be a real show of gratitude for our customers, because without their support we would not be here  and we certainly wouldn’t have grown and endured for 30 years.”
To register for the Event in the Tent, call 519-941-8961. For more information about the anniversary celebration and events, visit www.harmonymarket.com.