Popular Stratford, P.E.I. farm closes its roadside market

The well-known Balderston's Farm Market on the Trans-Canada in Stratford, P.E.I., won't be opening its popular roadside stand this summer.

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Allan and Dianne Balderston told CBC they're plan to notch back their work and spend more time with family.

"We spent 12 and 13 hours there talking to everybody and you got to know what they liked," said Dianne.

"So that part we will miss. But times do change and I think this is a good compromise for all of us."

The Balderstons will continue to grow fruit and vegetables, but said they've come up with a different method to distribute their produce they'll e-mailcustomersabout what's available. Customers can order what they want and pickit up at the farm market location during designated hours.

The family hasn't decided how often the pick up will happen, but say it will likely be two to threetimes a week.

They say they'vebeen overwhelmed bydozens of responses to their Facebook postmany like this one:

"Oh please NOOOOOOO! Wish you nothing but the best...and the time to relax and enjoy life...but you have been feeding us so well for so long! I'm sad for us...happy for you," commentedPaigeStoecker on Facebook.

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