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Fridays At The Erin Farmers' Market
by Karina Flores, The Sassy Tomato
*Text updated to reflect 2023 operations.
There are so many farmers markets locally, more than I can realistically visit! I am slowly crossing farmers’ markets off my ‘to-visit’ list and the Erin Farmers Market is definitely one I am planning to get to soon!
The Town of Erin is located in eastern Wellington County, about a half hour drive from Brampton or Milton. The market itself is located at Erin Fairgrounds and runs Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm from the end of June until the end of September.
It would be great to visit the town (and market) this Friday (August 16) for their Annual ‘Late Summer Lemonade Party’ which brings the whole downtown to life, with a huge sidewalk sale, lemony treats and of course lemonade!
Based on my research, the Erin Farmers' Market celebrates local food, farmers, artisans and community, not unlike other small-town markets. I hear what’s truly special about this market is that it’s really a place where the residents of Erin come together, spend a little time, do a little shopping, enjoy the music and catch up with neighbors Being a community meeting place, is one of the amazing values a market can bring to a community, especially in a small town. And it’s a pleasure to experience it firsthand – even as a visitor.
Located right on Main St. in Erin, the Erin Farmers’ Market is really a part of the village. Even though it’s a small market, it has a great mix of vendors, all from the surrounding area.
You can find unique products, such as Longhorn cattle meat, flax seed products, British meat pies, goat cheeses and dairy, as well as staples such as locally farmed chicken, organic and non-organic vegetables, fruit, deli meats and baked goods. In addition, you can purchase flowers, wine and cider and even find gorgeous pottery and other artisan products!
But that’s not all this market has to offer! There are lots of great events happening at the, such as kids day, community day (non-for profit and community groups can exhibit), farm to table cooking demos with local chefs, story time with the Wellington County Library, live music and many other activities! You can check out their calendar here to see what’s on that week.
Another unique feature about the Erin Farmers Market is the Town of Erin sponsored Entrepreneurial Booth where emerging businesses can test out the products in front of the market audience. Way to foster the entrepreneurial spirit in town! Not to mention the unique products and ideas that come to the market (I heard there was a 10-year-old Harry Potter wandmaker there last week)!
Erin Village itself is also something to explore on its own. Their beautiful main street has an impressive selection of unique shops that draw visitors from across Wellington County, Halton, and the GTA! Just a few doors down from the market, you can explore Holtom’s Bakery, which is one of the few old-fashioned small-town bakeries left in Wellington County. The place is filled with local patrons and tourists who are after their famous Chelsea buns, doughnuts, tarts, pies, breads, a selection of local preserves, coffee and more. I hear that Holtom’s Bakery is a true rustic gem with “the best aroma pouring out as you can see an endless window of deliciousness,” as one of my local sources told me. If that description doesn’t make it a destination itself, I don’t know what does!
Sounds to me that Downtown Erin is a place to visit any time of year – but if you can make it between the end of June and end of September on a Friday, it would be an even more special visit thanks to their fabulous farmers’ market!
For more information on the Erin Farmers’ Market see https://www.erinfarmersmarket.ca/ for information on local food in Wellington County, visit www.tastereal.ca.
- Sassy
Additional Information – For those driving to the market there is lots of free parking behind the park and the market - Accessible access from parking lot and main street sidewalk.
**All the photos are provided in collaboration with Taste Real and Wellington County, and were all taken at the Erin Farmers Market this year (2019)
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Erin Farmers’ Market
June - September
Thursdays: 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
184 Main Street, Erin (Erin Fairgrounds)
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