‘It’s a community’ Barrie Farmers Market flourishes during winter season

Barrie Farmers Market to celebrate 180 years.

The Barrie Farmers Market is one of the few markets that operate during the winter season.

Every Saturday, inside the rotunda at city hall in Barrie, you can find vendors, artisans, farmers and more,

Alison Oakes, market director said they are grateful for being able to come together year-round.

“It’s a lively atmosphere. You can expect buskers every week. We have all of our primary and secondary producers as well,” said Oakes. “We have everything from homemade granola to honey from our beekeepers and also local businesses that also use the farmer’s market as their brick and mortar.”

Lawrence Bangay is a vendor at the market and also co-chair, he said there is no better place to be on a Saturday morning.

“Farmers markets are the heart of a city and it’s where people gather, it’s where farmers come in, our vendors come and we all join in this great marketplace,” said Bangay.

Bangay added the market is more a challenge during the winter months.

“First of all, we’re kind of hidden and so people don’t know about us as much,” said Bangay. “Our market shrinks by more than half, (when) It’s, outdoors it’s vibrant, we have far more farmers present because they’re growing things and as the seasons change, more and more products are coming in indoors.”

Rob Radcliffe from Lakeview Gardens said it’s a good way to network with other vendors and speak with customers.

Number one, we love our customers, so seeing them week to week is an important part of our weekly business,” said Radcliffe. “But it’s important for us because of the fresh produce so people know where the product is coming from, grown locally or from our farm.”

This year the Barrie Farmers Market will be celebrating its 180^th anniversary.

“We are one of the longest running farmer’s markets in Ontario and we’re super excited to be celebrating our 180th birthday,” said Oakes.

She added that Saturday mornings during the market, parking is free in the city hall parking lot.