Shopping local at the Strathmore Farmers’ Market

By Florence Kalia Times Contributor

The Strathmore Farmers’ Market has proven to be a great way to showcase local products and unique homemade items, ranging from locally grown fruits and veggies to handmade keychains and bracelets.
The market has a “make it, bake it, grow it” slogan which helps the customer buy items that are local and handmade. The market is held every Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Kinsmen Park pavilion.
According to Tracy Hamilton, manger of Strathmore Farmers’ Market, there are a lot of “great local vendors that work really hard in the market.”
The Strathmore Farmers’ Market has been ongoing for 21 years. In the past, the market was located in the Kinsmen Park parking lot and the Strathmore ag grounds. The market was moved to Kinsmen Park pavilion last year.
Special variety-themed markets are also held, such as the fall-themed market, Christmas market and an annual Mother’s Day market. This year’s regular summer market will include a customer appreciation day during its last market on Sept. 20.
According to Hamilton, on average there are 25 to 30 vendors at each Friday’s market.
“There is always a really good mix of vendors and items and it is always good to shop local,” she said.
While the market mainly runs smoothly, over the course of managing the market for 17 years, Hamilton has “learned to deal with different personalities and different ways to do things.”
Many vendors are at the market week after week, setting up, displaying and selling their unique items. Lisa, who assists at the Harrison Farms vendor booth at the market, selling pies, jams, jellies, syrups and salsas, says Harrison Farms as been at the farmers’ market since 2006. “In the market there is a great community. You can get out and meet people and all the vendors know and support each other. I wouldn’t have met everyone without the farmers’ market.”
Chris O’Neill, who goes by Crazy Chris, is a balloon artist and has only been part of the Strathmore Farmers’ Market for two weeks. He said he is already loving it. “I like the community, the town and the atmosphere. Even when I am standing here freezing, I am having a good time.”
Hamilton said different items and vendors each week and new customers as well make the market a great place to discover.
“It is a big happy family here,” she noted. “Wonderful vendors and customers bring the community together each week.”
The Strathmore Farmers’ Market is currently seeking new board members. Visit strathmorefarmersmarket.ca/about for more information.