Local Farmers' Markets Grow in Popularity and Size!

Treat Yourself to Some Fresh Vegetables and Fruit This Summer

* This is an archived article, please read "Top 10 Reasons to Visit Your Local Farmers' Market" for updated information.

The season for farmers' markets in Sunset Country is fast appproaching. Over the years farmers' markets have become enormous in popularity not only in Northwest, Ontario but all over North America. Farmers' markets have become popular because of the demand people want in fresh, organic, non-chemical meats and produce. During the winter the fruit and veggies that are available in Northwest Ontario have come from far away and therefore are not very fresh by the time they get here. Going to a local market we can have fresh vegetables just as if we had grown them ourselves. By visiting one you have everything you need to make a great healthy supper for the family. People want healthy options and it also extremely good for the local economy.

The farmers' markets in Sunset Country include much more than just the fresh produce. With all the baking and craft vendors at farmers' markets your bond to find a quick yummy snack, lunch items for the up coming week, a unique gift for someone's birthday, a great baby shower gift, or just a personal souvenir to bring home. There is, aboriginal arts & crafts, preserves, honey,baked goods, arts & crafts, garden decorations, jewelery, sewing, and spices to name a few. There is so much to choose from!

Cloverbelt Country Farmers' Market strives to have only local produce represented, giving you a taste and experience unique to Dryden and its surrounding area. There is also farm fresh produce and meats, homemade preserves and baking, and handmade arts and crafts. The Oxdrift Market begins in June and is located in the Oxdrift Hall. It is open Saturdays 9am-12pm. They also start a second location in July. You can find this Dryden Market in the Dryden Arena parking lot every second Thursday from 3-6pm.

Northwest Farmers' Market in Sioux Lookout and first opened up in 2006. The market is held on Fridays at Town Beach but on rainy days is relocated to Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena. Here you will find 20 vendors offering items from fresh produce, elk, plants, knitting, wood crafts, and aboriginal crafts. 

Clover Valley Farmers' Market has operated a successful farmers' market for over 24 years and is housed behind the Canadian Tire in a distinctive red building located on 411 McIrvine Road in Fort Frances. The market starts in May and goes each Saturday until October, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. There is a variety of foods and speciality items to choose from. You will find over 20 varieties of fruit and vegetables. Also fresh local meats such as beef, elk, pigs, and farm eggs. There are also baked goods, crafts, and handmade items. Come November and December the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market becomes a local foods and craft store running multiple days a week.

Red Lake Farmers' Market is held once a month from 10am-2pm in the Legion parking lot. Look for products from local farms in July to September. In Sioux Narrows there is a Fresh Vegetable Stand next to the Boutique Soleil on Highway 71 near the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre. It is set up every Wednesday from about 8am until 11am. Rainy River Farmer's Market is held Wednesdays from 4pm-6:30pm at the Heritage Square on Atwood Avenue.

The biggest farmers' market in Sunset Country is the Matiowski Farmers' Market in Kenora, Ontario and is located under the Whitecap Pavilion every Wednesday from 9:00am to 2:00pm and runs from the end of June until September, the market offers up to 100 vendors. Just like any farmers' market you will find fresh meats and produce. There is also tons of baking items such as breads, cinnamon buns, perogies, pies, cupcakes and delicious homemade fudge. The craft items are endless with handmade cards, dolls, jewelry, garden decorations, candles, and homemade soap! The farmers' market also has an "art area" where local artists display their works, which is unique in Sunset Country. The Kenora Farmers' Market was going so well, Tourism of Kenora added an additional Flea Market every fourth Sunday a month during the summer.

Why should you visit these Farmers Market? Here are the top 10 reasons.

1. Taste real flavours of fruits and vegetables. There is no doubt that locally-grown foods just simply taste better.
2. Meet the farmers who grow your food. You can ask for advice when it was picked, how it was grown or ways to prepare it.
3. Protect the environment. The closeness of the farms does not require us to waste energy and gas to ship the food half-way around the world.
4. Support local economy by supporting the farmers, artists, bakers and other vendors.
5. Eat seasonally. By shopping at local farmer's markets you are eating produce at it's peak. They are fresh and ripe and loaded with nutrients.
6. Home-made baking. Do I need to say more?
7. Pick up something such as perogies and tasty vegtables and you have a quick supper tonight!
8. Find that unique gift you have been looking for!
9. Connect with the community,meet up with friends, old and new. Chat with locals and seasonal visitors.
10. The atmosphere is great and It's just plain fun!

Make sure to stop in to one Sunset Country's local farmers markets this summer. We promise it will make want to go back for more. For more information on these towns and cities listed above, please visit our website focusing on the communities in Sunset Country.

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