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Fridays At The Wellington North Farmers' Market
by Karina Flores, The Sassy Tomato
The timing of the Wellington North Farmers' Market has changed since this article was published. The market takes place on Saturdays from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Rural Ontario Farmers’ Markets are as unique as the community or town itself. These markets may be a little bit of a farther drive but they are something to truly experience!
Mount Forest, located in the very north of Wellington County, boasts a downtown with stunning architecture, clearly identifying it as a historically important centre. The town is conveniently located at the cross roads of provincial highways 6 and 89, which makes it on the path for rural commuters and tourists heading north towards the Bruce Peninsula or west towards the beaches of Lake Huron. A perfect stop if you are heading in either of these directions for the weekend!
Let me tell you a little more about this market and what you can expect to find during your visit.
The Wellington North Farmers’ Market is tucked away in a side street just off the downtown strip in front of the Victory Community Centre located in a quiet neighbourhood. The market operates seasonally from the end of May until the beginning of October, rain or shine and is completely accessible, with plenty of parking available.
Harry Engel is the market manager and recalls his vision of wanting to bring something special to fill the arena floor of the old Mount Forest Community Center. His memories of spending Saturday mornings with his parents at the farmers’ market in Woodstock inspired the idea to start a farmers’ market in town.
“Our market has become a true social hub in Mount Forest providing a place for locals to meet up, and visitors to experience the heartbeat of our culture; community connection...a sense of belonging. We have up to 12 vendors weekly, offering every assortment of fresh produce, meats, fresh baking, bbq, honey and wine!"
For its sixth year running, The Wellington North Farmers’ Market has gathered exceptional vendors. Of all current vendors four have been with them since day one, Speers Quality Meats, Big John's, Full Circle Farms and Stephen Bowman. New vendors like Innisfil Honey have joined the market family this year.
If you are feeling for an afternoon pick me up, when you first arrive at the market, you can grab a cup of coffee and a pastry from Matteo’s Bakery and Cafe. You can choose from butter tarts to cookies to tea biscuits and apple fritters to freshly made pies to take home!
Pillitteri Winery offers samples of their wines and you purchase a bottle...or a few from their selection of whites, reds, and even a rose.
Surrounded by farm land, it is not surprising that you will find all possible seasonal vegetables and fruit in season. This time of year the market has a bountiful of tomatoes, carrots, onions, beets, green beans, cucumbers, potatoes, and much more! With many of the vendors arriving by horse and buggy, you know that the product is truly locally grown.
The market also features artisanal vendors where you can purchase handmade blankets and towels as well as make your own necklace at Timmerwerk’s - a truly unique jewellery business, that showcases gorgeous local woods such as black walnut to box elder.
Whether you are on your way to the cottage or are looking for a new rural farmers’ market to explore, put the Mount Forest Market on your summer to do list. It’s a great escape on a Friday afternoon to pick up your weekly groceries, perhaps grab an afternoon coffee with a pastry, make a necklace and stock up on some preserves, wine, and meats.
For more information on the Wellington North Farmers’ Market see www.simplyexplore.ca/farmers-market.html, for more information on local food in Wellington County, visit www.tastereal.ca.
- Sassy
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Wellington North Farmers' Market
May - October
Fridays: 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
320 King Street East, Mount Forest (Victory Community Centre)
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