Opening Day is Saturday, May 21!
Find an array of fresh local produce, locally raised meats, take away foods, fresh baking, fresh cut flowers, functional and beautiful crafts and woodwork, bedding plants, honey, maple syrup, preserves and more!
Opening Day is Saturday, May 21!
Find an array of fresh local produce, locally raised meats, take away foods, fresh baking, fresh cut flowers, functional and beautiful crafts and woodwork, bedding plants, honey, maple syrup, preserves and more!
We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our Harvest and Christmas markets in the Upper Hall of the Almonte Community Centre (the arena) again… Read more “Our Harvest and Christmas Markets are on!”
One of the biggest bummers of the Covid rules we have had to live with for the past two summers is not having a breakfast vendor at… Read more “Almonte Farmers’ Market needs A Breakfast Vendor!”
It’s that time of year again and the vendors of the Almonte Farmers’ Market are getting things organized for another excellent market season. As an essential service,… Read more “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait! Opening Day is May 22, 8:30-12:30!”
Almonte has a rich tradition of community involvement and fellowship.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a thriving traditional Market was located in downtown Almonte, just off Brea Street (where the parking lot is now). Vendors would arrive with their horse drawn carriages full of hand-made items, livestock, locally grown foods, and other wares. Patrons would arrive from miles around to spend the morning stocking their own carriages with the items they needed and enjoy fellowship with their 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 bringing together their extra produce and offering it for sale. Their vision of rejuvenating the old Almonte Farmers Market as a producer-based market laid 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, which was just starting up at the time. Bob was amazed at how far along in the planning stages the AFM vendors were. Farmers’ Markets Ontario shared the same producer based ideas and so it was easy for the AFM to become a founding member of Farmers’ Markets of Ontario. The FMO has given our market unfailing support and provided us with signs and other marketing tools, canopies, ideas and help throughout the years.
The Almonte Farmers Market has had to adapt and grow to survive in a very competitive market. Large chain grocery stores offering local produce, and an increase in large farm, road side stalls have created challenges for the lazy Saturday morning market. The atmosphere, fellowship, unequaled fresh products and core group of vendors keep this market alive.
The first market was held in the Mississippi Mills Public Library parking lot in 1990 and remains there to this day. It operates from May to October, Saturday mornings from 8:30-12:30. Items available include in season fruits and veggies, perennials, and other locally grown items, flowers, baked good, woodworking and other hand crafted items like knitting and sewing, preserves, berries, organic meat, honey, etc.
Would you like to be a vendor with the Almonte Farmers Market? If you think you would like to join these fabulous vendors please scroll down to apply.
If you would like to apply, please download an Application Form and email it to info@almontefarmersmarket.com.
All produce, crafts, horticultural products and all other products being offered for sale have been produced by them within 100 km of the Almonte Farmers’ Market. This warranty is a condition precedent for the acceptance of any vendor.
The Almonte Farmers’ Market holds a Basket Draw once a month. Vendors each donate an item of their choice, or a voucher to be redeemed at their stall, to go into the basket.
Vendors are expected to show up at market on a consistent basis. Vendors are expected to give as much notice as possible if they are going to be absent. Regular absences may result in that vendor not being allowed to return the following season.
No vendor or patron of the Almonte Farmers Market will be subject to harassment, threatening or inappropriate behaviour of any kind. Participants in this behavior will be given a written warning. If the behavior continues, that person will be asked to leave the market and not return.
Contact the Almonte Farmers Market
We’d love to hear from you. Email enquiries are usually answered by Hilary Moore of Maplelane Farm, a market vendor.