A new farmers market in Aldershot joins two established markets for the upcoming season, as demand grows for fresh, locally grown food.
Philip Suos, market director of Aldershot Farmers Market, said the community wants a farmers market close to home.
“It also offers other local farmers and vendors that are not part of the other markets an opportunity to sell,” Suos said.
The new kid on the block joins the Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market, which has been running since 1959; and the Centro Farmers Market in downtown Burlington, marking its 13th year.
“I believe there is a growing demand for farmers markets as many people are trying to support local vendors,” said Jennifer Klassen, Centro Garden’s manager.
The long-standing Burlington Lions Club market at Burlington Centre features four vendors that have participated at least 50 years, and another five between 30 and 50 years. It provides significant fundraising for the club now in its 99th year. A total of 51 vendors are expected to participate this year.
Al Fanjoy, Lions Club Farmers Market manager, said its consistent, long history and results speak for themselves.
“The vendors and their customers are key,” Fanjoy said.
Catherine Clark, executive director of Farmers’ Markets Ontario, said the Burlington Lions Club market has been a member in good standing with the provincial organization since its inception in 1991.
Clark noted a farmers market should be community-driven and have a majority of vendors that are primary producers. The organization’s definition of a verified local farmers market is a community-driven market “featuring only the actual farmers, growers and producers of the products they sell. No reselling is permitted.”
She said the most difficult part of organizing a farmers market is recruiting farmers.
“We know farmers will attend multiple markets,” Clark said. “When you don’t have enough of the farmer component, you’re going to see a decline in traffic.”
She said most people who frequent farmers markets understand the products are fresh, but not necessarily cheaper.
“They want local, and want to support the farmer,” Clark said.
The Farmers’ Market Ontario website at farmersmarketsontario.com has more information, including details of its 180 member markets, such as the Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market, and when specific produce is in season.
What you need to know about Burlington’s farmers’ markets:
Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market
- sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket
- www.lions14925.org
- 777 Guelph Line, Burlington — Burlington Centre mall, Prospect Street parking lot
- May 15 to Oct. 26
- Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
- Features 51 vendors of fruit, produce, chicken, eggs, cheese, honey, flowers, wine, cider, tea, baked goods and crafts. Visit website for vendor schedule.
- Net proceeds from the market are pooled with other Burlington Lions Club fundraising projects, which support donations to around 75 organizations serving various community needs.
Aldershot Farmers Market
- aldershotfarmersmarket.com/
- 1016 Waterdown Rd.
- May 25 to Oct. 26
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Approximately 20 vendors of farm-fresh, locally grown produce, meats, cheese, eggs, prepared foods and baked goods with a rotating lineup of food pop-ups.
Centro Farmers Market
- centrogarden.com/farmers-market
- 437 Brant St. — In Centro Garden parking lot, off John Street
- Sundays, 9 a.m. to Noon
- May 12 to Oct. 13
- Centro focuses on building downtown community while directly connecting local growers and makers of natural and organic foods to people in their community — to share a healthy lifestyle.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation