The St. Catharines Farmers Market is celebrating its biggest season yet, with a record number of vendors filling Market Square in the heart of downtown. More than 60 vendors are taking part this year, offering farm-to-table produce, baked goods, cured meats, flowers and a wide range of prepared foods, according to a City of St. Catharines news release. The market's outdoor peak season kicked off May 16, with Mayor Mat Siscoe delivering an opening welcome from the Market Stage at 9 a.m.
The expanded outdoor season brings back several regular features, all running Saturdays until Oct. 17. The Market Discovery Table offers a hands-on experience centred on locally grown food, along with a children's craft activity, every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Music in the Square also returns for the peak season, with local performers playing weekly from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Picnic tables are set up for visitors who want to stay and listen. The city is also continuing its Community Engagement Series at Market Square, featuring a rotating lineup of community members and organizations through Oct. 17. Details on all three programs are available at stcatharines.ca/marketevents.
"Seeing the smiles on faces and hearing the joy and energy from everyone as they experience the best of Niagara, is truly what a Farmers Market is about, building community," said Community and Market Coordinator Deanna Chakarova in the release. "This is our biggest summer yet for vendors and there really is something for everyone, whether you're coming for groceries, searching for a unique gift, looking for breakfast or lunch, or just enjoying a morning stroll and snack with the family."
The city notes that buying food at the market supports local farmers and growers, and may cost less than a trip to the grocery store. Market goods also travel a shorter distance and require fewer preservatives. Farmers Market gift certificates are available by email at marketsquare@stcatharines.ca. The market operates year-round, with Thursday hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. between February and December, and Saturday hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every week. More information is available at stcatharines.ca/market.
