The Market at Garrison Village wrapped its 2026 season Saturday with a bustling Thanksgiving weekend crowd and plans to continue expanding.
Shoppers filled the market on its final Saturday, with some picking up Thanksgiving essentials and others looking for a piece of Niagara-on-the-Lake to take home.
Organizer Sandra Neufeld looked back on the market’s first season in its new location, in the Clayfield Commons, and the growth it experienced.
The season began with vendors lining a single laneway.
“It had sort of a European walkable vibe,” she said. “As it got busier, we were excited to be able to grow all the way around. So about halfway through the season, we were able to come around the green and include this entire space.”
Laura Townsend, director of marketing for the Clayfield Hotel, said moving the market from the Garrison Village parking lot to the new greenspace has reinvigorated the market and attracted new visitors.
“It’s such a staple in the community, but to be able to expand it and to activate it in different ways, I think, is really what we’re most excited about,” she said.
“It’s been really cool, for the locals as well as the guests that are staying at the hotel.”
Samantha Sutherland, co-owner of the Hive, has been a market vendor for five seasons.
“It used to be in the parking lot, with the local people. It was great, but I think now that we have it here it attracts more people from out of town,” she said. “The flow is a bit better.”
Sutherland said the market has been a great place to grow her business.
“That’s why we keep coming back.”
Miranda Colcuc manned the stall for Alpine Nurseries, wrapping up the farm’s first season at the market.
Colcuc said a mix of locals and visitors stopped by throughout the season, adding that her favourite part has been meeting the people.
“It’s amazing to feed the community and be with all these other vendors that are selling their hard work.”
The community spirit was on display Saturday as residents and visitors of all ages browsed the stalls.
Neufeld said the market has built a loyal group of regulars, including two older men who share meat pies together every Saturday.
Last weekend, one of the men’s birthdays brought the market together to sing “Happy Birthday,” she said.
David Harrison visited the market for the first time Saturday and sampled a meat pie from Koru & Crust.
It was delicious, he said.
“I’ve been to New Zealand so I know a good meat pie.”
Neufeld said the larger space has created more opportunities to celebrate Niagara’s local businesses and products.
“It’s amazing how we’re able to blend both loyal locals who love making this part of their weekly tradition, with people that we’re welcoming in.”
Townsend said Garrison Village was designed with the market in mind, allowing for vendor stalls on both sides of the walkway as the market continues to grow.
As more retailers, cafés and vendors join the 24 that finished the 2026 season, Townsend said she looks forward to seeing more people discover local businesses and products.
