The Garrison Village market wrapped up its summer season Saturday, marking its final day in the small parking lot it’s occupied for several years before it relocates to a new, larger home next year — in front of the future Clayfield Hotel.
The weekly market on Garrison Village Drive ran 20 weeks this year with about 15 vendors, all from the Niagara region.
Organizer Sandra Neufeld said the market will expand to host up to 40 vendors next year once construction in the Village development is finished, a move she says will give both shoppers and sellers more room and visibility.
“We’re definitely in transition right now because of the construction, but it’s gone well,” said Neufeld. “We’ve had a great sense of community here.”
The market has operated in several temporary spots during ongoing development at Clayfield Commons, an eight-acre mixed-use project, anchored by the future 102-room Clayfield Hotel.
The new space is expected to open by next season, giving the market a new home, closer to the main road — the hotel’s parking lot.
All vendors at the market are Niagara-based, which Neufeld said makes it unique among other vendor markets in the area.
“Here, every farmer is truly local and that’s something people appreciate.”
Vendors said attendance was slower this year in part due to the construction and poor visibility from Niagara Stone Road, but credited the community atmosphere for keeping spirits up.
The market has been around in Niagara-on-the-Lake for roughtly 20 years, founded as part of the Village development to connect local growers with residents.
Rose Bartel, one of its longtime vendors, retired last year after 18 seasons but still occasionally contributes flowers through other sellers at the market.
“It’s been slow this year, but the people around here all get along,” said Bill Schultz of Niagara Green.
Schultz said he hopes better road signage next season will help draw more visitors from traffic on Niagara Stone Road.
First-time vendor Brenna Udovic of the Raven’s Wealth said she was grateful for strong customer support despite construction challenges.
“It’s been lovely. The organization’s amazing and there have been a lot of happy faces this season,” said Udovic.
Udovic, who sells honey and home décor, said she plans to return next year, considering the amount of returning customers she has gotten to her new business.
Other longtime vendors reflected on how the market has changed over the years.
“Every year is a little bit different,” said Kim McQuhae of Gryphon Ridge Highlands, who has been attending this market for more than 10 years.
“We used to have people come, sit and have breakfast while the flower vendors sold out by 10. It felt like a community gathering, and I think that’s what we need to rebuild.”
McQuhae said she remains optimistic the larger site will help bring back that spirit.
Neufeld said next year’s market will begin again at the end of May, as usual.
“I just appreciate the community supporting this group of people that are here to serve their community,” she said.
