Almonte has a rich tradition of community involvement and fellowship.
Almonte has had a farmers market downtown since the late 1800’s. It was originally located off Brae St., where the parking lot is now. At that time, vendors came with their horse drawn carriages full of livestock, hand made items and fresh produce. Patrons would come from miles around for a morning of shopping and visiting with neighbours. It was an event not to be missed, and for some, their only trip into town every week.
The current Almonte Farmers Market (AFM) maintains that same feel. It was conceived around the kitchen table of Master Gardener, Helen Halpenny in the fall of 1989. A few local farmers met over coffee to discuss rejuvenating the old Almonte Farmers Market as a producer-based market, laying the ground work for the successful farmers’ market that we have today.
Shortly after the farmers’ market started in its new incarnation, the market vendors were approached by Bob Chorney of Farmers’ Markets Ontario, who shared the same producer based philosophy. And, AFM became a founding member of Farmers’ Markets of Ontario.
The Almonte Farmers Market has had to adapt and grow to survive in a very competitive market. Larger farmers markets and an increase in road side stalls have created challenges for the lazy Saturday morning market. However, the atmosphere, community feel, unequaled fresh products and core group of vendors make AFM a popular, unique and handy local farmers’ market.
The first market was held in the Mississippi Mills Public Library parking lot in 1990 and is currently located next to the library, on the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail. It operates on Saturday mornings, from 8:30-12-30, from Victoria Day weekend in May to Thanksgiving weekend in October.