Despite windy conditions, patrons still made it out to the last gathering of the Farmers’ Market at the Village as its 16th season wound down this weekend. 

The Saturday market features a tight-knit community of vendors and a selection of local goods, and its final week was no different.

Kim McQuhae of Gryphon Ridge Highlands, accompanied by her dog Finnegan, was offering an end-of-season sale on her award-winning jams and jellies.

“I have really great market neighbours. It’s like everybody gets together and has a chat in the morning,” said McQuhae.

“We have a regular clientele that also comes out. I’m really fortunate that I have people that are willing to come out and try things again and again.”

One of those regulars is NOTLer and writer Mary Kovack.

Relishing every moment of the last community gathering of the season, Kovack made her way from vendor to vendor, engaging with each seller and making conversation with other regulars. 

“I come every week. I’ve been here eight years and I come back every year,” said Kovack. 

As for her favourite vendors, Kovack said their relationships have grown to more than customer and vendor.

“I have my friends. I call them my friends now because over the years you really get to know them,” she said.

These friends include Sweets & Swirls Cafe.

Braving the cold together in their booth, father and son James and Liam Cadeau shared their most loved memory of the market this season and why it is so special to them.

“Seeing all the people every week, a lot of the same people and some new, the community spirit is so important,” said James. 

It is clear the communal Saturday morning ritual will be dearly missed by vendors and patrons alike over the winter months.

“I can’t stand it. They need more!” said Kovack. 

But she’ll have to patiently await the opening of the next market season in May 2023.