Organizers are excited about a new mid-week market day being introduced this year

t’s a sure sign that another St. Thomas spring is well upon us – one as sure as the annual battle at the house to stop lily of the valley from taking over the entire garden.

Horton Farmers’ Market is set to open Saturday for another season of local goodness.

The venerable market opens at 8 a.m. with what seems to be more opening-day vendors than ever.

“We actually have over 60 this year,” says Julia Conrad, the interim market co-ordinator filling in for Darren Connolly on parental leave.

“It’s going to be a really full day with lots of farmers, artisans, bakers, local businesses.”

This is the fourth year the market is to operate as a small business incubator under the aegis of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corp., and the number of opening day vendors just seems to increase each year.

“I would definitely say that over the years since the (the development corporation) took over, there’s been a steady increase in opening day. Everybody gets really excited for Horton to open back up.

“We’re really excited.”

As an officially designated farmers market, Horton vendors are the producers of what they sell, be it produce, prepared food, or arts and crafts. And the market mandates local – from no farther than 60 kilometres.

Currently on in local farm fields as the 2024 growing season gets underway, and expected to make appearances Saturday, are fresh asparagus and rhubarb.

Maybe rhubarb pie, as well?

“I haven’t heard back from all the vendors, but there’s definitely the possibility,” Julia entices.

“I wouldn’t say no, but I can’t confirm or deny it.”

(But that’s promise enough to turn out of bed, isn’t it?)

The market echoed Wednesday with the getting-ready sounds of construction during a reorganization of stalls in the market building to make more room for indoor seating. Outside, additional tables were being added in the market’s pavilions to allow for additional vendors.

Also new this year are theme days.

“We’re adding themed market days. Once a month, we will be having some form of a theme at the market.

“We’re really encouraging vendors to participate.”

The first, June 22, is........

© Sarnia Observer