fresh produce at a Kawartha Lakes farmers market

Guide to Kawartha Lakes farmers markets

Wondering if there’s a farmers market near you? You’re in luck. Farmers markets pop up across the Kawartha Lakes region usually in May and continue to operate into October. To help you get the most out of the experience of shopping at one, here are some helpful insights and advice.

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Why you should choose a local farmers market

Things to check before you go

What to bring

What to do at a farmers market

Best times to go

Why you should choose a farmers market that’s local

There are a few really good reasons why going to a farmers market that is close to where you’re living or visiting in the Kawarthas makes the most sense.

Fresher produce: As soon as vegetables and fruits are picked they start to lose their freshness. Often the produce you purchase at the grocery store is already a week old. You do the math. In contrast, at a local farmers market the fruits and vegetables are usually picked that day. As a result they have a higher level of nutrition and way more flavour.
Reduced emissions: Most of the produce in a grocery store has travelled thousands of kilometres to get there. Produce at a local farmers market has travelled less than a hundred kilometres. Less distance equals less carbon emissions in our air.
Supporting local businesses: When you shop at a local farmers market there’s no middle man. All of the money that you pay to purchase items goes directly to the farmer or vendor who produced it.
Connect with your community: A local farmers market is a community event. By shopping local you get to know farmers and vendors who live in your area. Plus, you’re likely to bump into a few friends and neighbours.

Things to check before you go

What day and time: If you’ve never been to a Kawartha Lakes farmers market before you may assume they happen on Saturday mornings. Some do but not all of them. There’s one that takes place on Sundays and quite a few that are weekday affairs. There is no standard start time either. To help you get the correct day and time we’ve put together this handy list:

–Bobcaygeon Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 8:00-1:00, 47 Mansfield Street, Bobcaygeon, ON

–Campbellford Farmers Market: Saturdays 9:00-1:00, corner of River and Front, Campbellford, ON

–Fenelon Falls Farmers’ Market: Fridays 9:00-2:00, 45 Bond Street, Fenelon Falls, ON

–Havelock Farmer & Artisan Market: Fridays 1:00-5:00, south of Hwy #7 across from the Havelock Garden Restaurant, Havelock, ON

–Kinmount Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 9:00-2:00, 4072 Haliburton County Road 121, Kinmount, ON

–Lakefield Farmers’ Market: Thursday 9:00-1:00, 20 Concession Street, Lakefield, ON

–Lindsay Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 7:00-1:00, Victoria Avenue between Kent Street & Peel Street Lindsay, ON and Thursdays 10:00-3:00 at Wilson Fields, Lindsay ON

–Millbrook Ontario Farmers Market: Last Sunday of the Month 10:00-1:00, 47 Tupper Street, Millbrook, ON

–Peterborough Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 7:00-1:00, 151 Lansdowne Street, Peterborough, ON

–Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 8:00-1:00, 215 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, ON

The weather forecast: Before you head out take a moment to review the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately. Farmers markets run rain or shine, so if the Weather Network is calling for grey skies and showers you’ll have a more enjoyable time if you’re equipped with a rain jacket and umbrella. Plus, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat in case the clouds part and the sun bursts through.

If dogs are allowed: Bringing fido along with you is a smart way to kill two birds with one stone—you can get your weekly supply of fruits and vegetables and your dog can get its daily walk in at the same time. But don’t assume you can bring your dog. Go online first to confirm whether the farmers market you’re planning to attend allows pets.

What to bring to a Kawarthas farmers market

Bring your own bags: Sticking with the idea of reducing carbon emissions, instead of having to take a bag or basket from the vendors bring you own reusable bags and reduce waste.

Pack a cooler or an insulated shopping bag: If you’re planning to purchase meat, eggs, dairy or even baked goods make sure to pack a cooler, cooler bag or insulated shopping bags. Doing so will help keep items like this cool in your vehicle if you have to run some other errands after visiting the market or have a bit of a drive home.

Carry cash: Every vendor prefers to deal in cash so they can avoid having to pay a transaction fee. Plus, when you purchase goods in cash you might get the produce or product you want for a slightly lower price. So, bring small bills and some loonies and toonies. If you don’t have any cash though you should be fine because most vendors will have an online payment machine on hand.

Wear comfortable shoes: You might think you’ll only be a short while at a farmers market but that’s not usually the case. There’s always lots to see, which means you’ll be doing a lot of standing and getting your steps in. Do your feet a favour and wear a comfortable pair of shoes.

What to do when you’re at your local Kawartha Lakes farmers market

Ask questions: The people who are selling at a Farmers Market in the Kawarthas are usually the people who are growing or making the products. In other words, they know their stuff. Take advantage of the opportunity to gain their insights and learn more about what you’re buying. Here are a few conversation starters you can use:

What’s in season right now?
What are your best-selling items?
When was this produce harvested?
Do you have any unique varieties of fruits or vegetables?
Do you have any simple recipes to suggest?
Do you have any tips for storing or serving this vegetable, fruit or product?
What do you do with the unsold produce at the end of the day?
Where is your farm or business located?

Try a sample: Yes, when you go to a farmers market you are going to see fruits, vegetables and products you are familiar with but chances are there will also be a few items you’ve never heard of or tried before. Be adventurous. Try before you buy. Don’t be shy to ask a vendor for a sample. You may end up discovering a new favourite fruit or vegetable.

Best times to go to a Kawartha Lakes farmers market

Whether you go to a farmers market when it first opens, mid-market or just before it closes there are benefits to all three times.

Benefits of going early:

You’ll have the best selection and freshest produce to choose from
There will be less people
– Makes it easier to walk around, especially if you have a stroller or wheelchair to push
– Vendors will have more time to chat
The temperature will be cooler if you don’t like the midday heat and sun

Benefits of arriving mid-market:

The market will be buzzing with activity, talking, music and energy
Great if you love people watching

Benefits of stopping by later:

There will be less people so it will be easier to navigate the market
You may be able to get some deals because vendors might sell their wares at a discount to reduce the amount of produce and items they have to pack up

Enjoy checking out one of the many farmers markets that are available to shop in the Kawartha Lakes.