Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual farmers’ market opened its 20th season at the newly built Clayfield Commons on Saturday, but its organizer says it’s waiting for more Niagara farmers to sign on, hoping to accommodate up to 40 vendors in its new, larger space.
The Market at the Village’s new location sits at Clayfield Commons on Niagara Stone Road, beside the future Clayfield Hotel, relocating from its former spot on Garrison Village Drive. All 15 vendors Saturday came from within the Niagara region, more than half from Niagara-on-the-Lake itself, and organizer Sandra Neufeld says that local-only policy is non-negotiable as the market pushes for more vendors.
The 20th season also marks the market’s attempt to rebuild a regular Saturday audience after years of construction at Clayfield Commons disrupted its visibility and foot traffic.
“As we’ve gone through some transitional periods, it’s been harder for people to realize that it’s happening or make it part of their Saturday morning routine,” said Neufeld.
The Clayfield Commons development fully subsidizes the cost of running the non-profit market and adjusted its construction plans to accommodate market needs. The Foodland grocery store opened on the same site in January, and has been supportive of the market.
“The manager of Foodland is very conscious about supporting local products,” said Neufeld.
New vendors this season include Rooted, serving açaí bowls, Koru and Crust Pie Co., offering New Zealand-style meat pies, Con Gusto Artisan Bakery, and Fenwick Prosharp, a knife-sharpening service run by Fenwick-based teacher Tom Glasbergen.
Glasbergen launched Fenwick Prosharp last year after years of sharpening knives for chefs and restaurants. He said demand on opening day surpassed anything he expected.
“I did not think it would be so busy today,” said Glasbergen. “A lot of people have gone home and got their stuff and come back.”
Returning vendor Valerie Belisle of Belisle Pottery, whose studio occupies the former Virgil Public School on Four Mile Creek Road, said the market gives small Niagara arts businesses a revenue channel that social media cannot deliver.
“Social media, for us as small businesses in the arts, is not everything,” said Belisle. “It’s a good way to get yourself known, but it doesn’t necessarily generate revenue.”
Belisle returned this season after breaking her hand in December, bringing her first new ceramic collection since the injury. She plans to attend the first Saturday of each month.
“There’s no reason for this market not to be full every single weekend,” said Belisle.
Longtime vendors including Sweets and Swirls and Kim McQuhae of Gryphon Ridge Highlands, a 10-year fixture, returned alongside the new additions.
Flowers and rhubarb from Rose and Ken Bartel of Bartel Organics, original market vendors who retired after 18 seasons in 2024, still reach the market through a neighbouring vendor who carries their goods on their behalf.
Live music from Caitlin Miller ran from 10 a.m. to noon. Neufeld said the market plans to feature live music regularly and will flag rotating vendor offerings each week through its newsletter and social media.
The market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 3 at 25 Clayfield Commons.
