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Sow What? The Farmer’s Market Scoop

Caledonia Farmers Market – Thursdays – 2:00 – 7:00 pm

New Location at the Caledonia Fairgrounds ( 151 Caithness St E, Caledonia)

Dunnville Farmers Market – Tuesdays – New hours 2:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturdays 7:00 am-noon

( 218 Main St. E, Dunnville)

Hagersville Farmers Market – Wednesdays – 7:00 am-noon

(1 Main St. S, Hagersville)

Welcome to the Haldimand County Farmers Markets, a paradise for foodies and anyone who loves fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re after a delicious snack, searching for the perfect ingredients to make a home-cooked meal, or just love exploring farmer’s markets, you’ll find everything you need and more at our three unique markets.

Our farmers take pride in their craft and strive to provide the highest quality ingredients. They grow and produce everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal products like honey, baked goods, and preserves. And when you visit our farmer’s markets, you not only support our local farmers but also get a chance to taste some of the freshest and most delicious products you’ve ever had.

Caledonia Market

So let’s start our journey by exploring the Caledonia Farmer’s Market, one of the most popular markets in Haldimand County. This market opened its doors in 2009 when the agriculture society realized that there was a need for a market to sell local goods in Caledonia. Since then, it has become a staple for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide range of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats.

The market made the move this year to a new location at the Caledonia Fairgrounds at 151 Caithness Street East, so it is easily accessible. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly vendors who are eager to share their stories and products with you. And with so much variety on offer, you’re sure to leave with your arms full of excellent produce and goodies. Also while there, stop by Scoops Eatery for a sweet treat at their convenient outdoor service window at the Riverside Exhibition Centre on-site.

Some of the must-stop vendors at this market include T-Rex Gourmet Sauces, Pies and Tarts from the Heart, and Olive’s Heirlooms. T-Rex Gourmet Sauce produces small-batched sauces and rubs that are all made locally in Caledonia. Some of their flavours include apple bourbon and chipotle honey, perfect for your next barbecue. Pies and Tarts from the Heart, as the name suggests, specializes in heavenly pies and butter tarts that will make your mouth water. And if you’re looking for a little bit of everything, Olive’s Heirlooms has you covered with their unique and delicious preserves like garlic jelly, pear ginger jam, and classic red pepper jelly. They also sell antiques and crafts, from bowls to mugs to necklaces, making it a great stop for gifts and souvenirs.

But that’s not all. If you can’t find something that catches your eye at Caledonia’s market, don’t worry! There are still two more markets that run throughout the week in Haldimand County that you can check off your grocery list of must-haves.

To learn more about this farmer’s market take a look at their website: Caledonia’s Farmers’ Market

Hagersville Market

 In 1892, the Hagersville market was established in the town square, and over 130 years later it is still a beloved staple in the community. The market offers a diverse range of products, including live chickens, pork, eggs, potatoes, and so much more. Today, the market can be found at 1 Main Street South, conveniently located behind the Home Hardware store, and it continues to provide an exceptional shopping experience to meet all your needs.

As you stroll through the market, you will find yourself surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere filled with friendly vendors and the aromas of fresh produce. The market features numerous vendors that showcase delicious local farm produce, making it a great place to support the community and sample some of the freshest and most flavourful fruits and vegetables available.

One of the more popular vendors at the Hagersville Farmer’s Market is Richardson’s Family Farm. In fact, this vendor can be found at all three of Haldimand’s markets, and there is a good reason for it. The current owner is a sixth-generation farmer who focuses on using sustainable farming methods. At Richardson’s, you can find a wide variety of produce, including strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, melons, preserves, and baked goods.

If you’re a fan of mushrooms, be sure to stop by Dan the Mushroom Man’s stall. While his stall may lead you to expect mushrooms, he is most renowned for his delicious blueberries. These berries are perfect for making never-ending supplies of blueberry muffins, although he also has some fruit and vegetables available for purchase.

Another great vendor at the Hagersville Farmer’s Market is Houser’s Home-Grown Produce. This vendor sells various fresh produce, including tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, squash, and maple syrup – my favourite. I love putting maple syrup on everything, so buying fresh syrup whenever possible is a must. Houser’s offers some of the most delicious sugary syrup around!

Beyond the fresh produce, the Hagersville Farmer’s Market is a great place to socialize and catch up with friends and neighbors. You’ll often find families enjoying the day out, taking in the sights and sounds of the market, and enjoying a delicious snack or two.

Be sure to check out the Hagersville Farmer’s Market located at Market Square behind the post office. Come rain or shine as the vendors are tucked under the covered market. Featuring an array of vendors offering everything from fresh produce to crafts and clothing. It’s a great place to support the local community while enjoying some of the best products the region has to offer.

Check out their Facebook page to learn more: Hagersville Farmers’ Market

The Dunnvillle Market

Lastly, be sure to check out the Dunnville Farmer’s Market located right along the Grand River, you can’t miss the beautiful red market pavilion.

The history of the Dunnville Farmers Market dates back to 1893 when it opened not long after the Hagersville Market. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest and most popular markets in the area, offering a wide variety of local goods and produce.

Moving into the new building in 2018, located at 218 Main Street East provides ample space for vendors both indoors and outdoors and is an impressive structure making it a destination for locals and tourists alike. The market has become a hub of activity in the area and provides a space for local farmers and producers to showcase their products.

The Dunnville Farmers Market is a great place to discover the abundance of local produce in the region. The market offers everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade preserves, artisanal cheeses, and much more. The variety of products on offer means that visitors can find something to suit their tastes and preferences.

As the largest of the three markets, the Dunnville market has a wide variety of local goods that are sure to satisfy your cravings. The vendors take pride in the quality of their products, making sure that everything on offer is fresh and locally sourced. Whether you are in the market for baked goods, fresh produce, or artisanal cheeses, the Dunnville Farmers Market has got you covered.

One of the first booths to catch my eye is the Purple Haven Lavender Farm, which offers a range of lavender-infused products such as tea, bath bombs, soaps, and dried lavender and lavender bushels. The intoxicating aroma of lavender fills the air, making it a calming and relaxing experience for visitors.

Another booth worth checking out is the Bains Road Cider Company, Haldimand County’s first licensed winery. They sell a wide variety of wines and hard ciders made from locally grown fruit like apples, pears, cherries, strawberries, peaches, and even pumpkins. The unique flavours of the ciders and wines make for an exciting tasting experience, and visitors can purchase a bottle or two to take home.

If you’re in the market for plants and flowers, be sure to stop by Lisa’s Country Garden. They offer a beautiful selection of flowers and hanging baskets, as well as arranged bouquets that need to be ordered ahead of time. The vendor takes pride in sourcing the highest quality plants and flowers, ensuring that their customers get the best possible product.

In addition to the food and produce, the market also offers a range of handcrafted items, such as jewelry, clothing, and home decor. These locally made products make for a unique and meaningful gift for loved ones, and visitors can take home a piece of Dunnville with them.

The Dunnville Farmers Market is a great way to support local businesses while also enjoying some of the freshest and most delicious produce in the region. It’s an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning, strolling through the market, sampling the local goods, and meeting the people who produce them. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and experience the charm of the Dunnville Farmers Market for yourself.

To learn more, visit their website: Dunnville Farmers’ Market

What’s In Season When?

Looking at the seasonal produce available in Haldimand County Markets, I’d like to help you avoid the disappointment of looking for out-of-season fruits. Here are some of the most popular (or my favourite) produce by month:

May – Strawberries, Rhubarb, asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, lettuce

June – Raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, cucumber, kale, cabbage, onions

July – Blueberries, cherries, peaches, watermelon, beans, cauliflower, garlic, tomatoes

August – Zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, peas, watermelon, pears, grapes

September – Blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, brussels sprouts, peppers, pumpkin, zucchini

October – Pumpkin, potatoes, peas, onions, apples, crabapples, pears.

If you’d like to see a complete list of what’s in season when, visit this website: https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/availability-guide