‘I wanted to be a part of it’: Entrepreneur launches mobile bookstore at Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Windsor Farmers Market is back and bigger than ever this year.

Aislinn Vanier, owner of Read the Room Books, was one of the first vendors to be a part of the new market garage.

The Downtown Windsor Business Association has expanded into the first floor of the Pelissier Street parking garage for the 2026 Farmers’ Market season.

“I’ve always loved it. It’s always been my favourite part of the summer,” Vanier told CTV News Saturday morning. “I saw all of these strong women, incredible women, starting their businesses and networking, and I really wanted to be a part of it.”

Read the Room Books is a utility trailer converted into a bookstore offering new and used books plus limited editions and rare finds.

“I’ve had this idea for a while, and I realized that I should stop waiting and that I should just take life and go for it!” Vanier said. “You know we’re not getting any younger and time isn’t going any slower, and so just go for it.”

17th year for the event

The Farmers’ Market was first launched downtown in 2009.

The 2026 season is expected to add 25 per cent more vendors, according to organizers.

Returning for their ninth year is Christine’s Bake Shop and this market is now owner Christine Dundas’ primary retail outlet.

“It’s a lot different than being in a storefront where you only get a few people here and there,” owner Christine Dundas told CTV News Saturday. “Here, you get so many more people and it’s just the diversity of customers.”

The Farmers’ Market takes over Pelissier Street between Wyandotte and Park every Saturday now until Halloween, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.