There is a particular kind of patience required of anyone who shops locally through a Canadian spring.

You will not find strawberries in April. The tomatoes are not ready. The corn is not even a thought yet.

​If you show up to a farmers' market in mid-April expecting the full, overflowing abundance of July, you will leave a little disappointed, and that disappointment is worth talking about honestly.

Because here is what is actually happening right now, underneath the cold and the unpredictability and the weeks that cannot seem to commit to a season.
The farms are working.
In greenhouses and cold frames across Elgin County, growers are coaxing early crops through temperature swings that would discourage most people from the whole endeavour. Fields are being turned and prepared. Animals that spent the winter in barns are moving into spring routines. Producers who sell at markets like Horton are doing the quiet, unglamorous work that makes the summer abundance possible. April is not the reward. April is the effort.
What shows up at the market this time of year reflects that honestly. Local meats from farms that raise their animals with care year-round, not just when the weather cooperates. Preserved goods made from last season's harvest, still good, still worth buying. Baked goods made with ingredients sourced as close to home as the season allows. Cheese, eggs, and pantry staples from producers you can put a name and a face to.
It is not everything. But it is something worth choosing deliberately.
When you buy from a local producer in April, you are not just buying what is in the bag. You are buying into a system that needs your support most when conditions are hardest. A cold snap in late April can set a growing season back in ways that are difficult to recover from. The farms and small producers who supply regional markets operate on margins that do not leave much room for a bad week, let alone a bad month. Showing up in the shoulder season, spending your money locally when the Instagram-worthy abundance is still weeks away, is one of the more direct ways to make sure those farms are still there in July.
The market in mid-April asks a little more of you as a shopper. It asks you to think about what is actually in season, to be curious about what your local producers are working with right now, and to find value in things that are good rather than things that are plentiful.
That shift in thinking is not a sacrifice. It is actually a more interesting way to shop.
Come with a little flexibility and an open basket. Talk to the vendors about what they have and what is coming. Let the season tell you what to cook this week instead of the other way around.
The strawberries will get here. They always do.
In the meantime, there is plenty worth showing up for.

There is a particular kind of restlessness that arrives with the first genuinely warm weekend of spring. You know the one. The windows go up, the coffee gets taken outside, and suddenly the garden beds are calling your name with an urgency that feels almost unreasonable.

Easter weekend is almost here, and if you are already drafting a mental to-do list that includes raking out the beds, cutting back last year's perennials, and getting a jump on the season, we have one gentle but firm suggestion.

Wait.

Not because the work is not worth doing. It absolutely is. But here in southwestern Ontario, early April is still prime time for overwintering pollinators, and the leaf litter and hollow stems you are itching to clear away are doing important work right now. Bumblebee queens are still tucked beneath the surface, waiting for soil temperatures to consistently reach around 10 degrees Celsius before they emerge. Ground beetles, native bees, and a whole community of beneficial insects are sheltering in exactly the places that look like they need tidying. Clearing too early does not just disrupt the mess. It disrupts the ecosystem underneath it.

Spring is here, and in Southwestern Ontario that means maple syrup season has started! We are very lucky in St. Thomas and Elgin County to have so many local syrup shanty's and maple syrup farmers, and nothing tastes sweeter than fresh, local maple syrup! As part of the Maple Belt, many of our local maple syrup farms open up their doors to the public for behind-the-scenes and educational tours, family activities, and hot breakfasts served up with fresh maple syrup. So grab your plaid jackets and gather your family and friends to head out and enjoy the short but sweet season while it lasts! 

Located just outside of the quaint fishing village of Port Stanley, ON, is Palmer's Maple Syrup. This family owned and operated maple farm has been producing Premium Ontario Maple Syrup since 1955. Currently operated by Brian, Laura, and their two sons, the farm is nearly 100 years old. 

​Today they tap around 4,000 trees with kilometers of lines alongside offering educational tours, family activities, and running their delicious syrup shanty, which serves hot pancakes and waffles topped with their fresh maple syrup. Check out their vendor spotlight for more information about their history, farm, and maple syrup production.

📍 Palmer's Maple Syrup, 34308 Lake Line, Port Stanley, ON
📅 Open for the 2026 season March 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29
🕒​ 9am-5pm

Taking place each year at Springwater Conservation Area, the annual Springwater Maple Syrup Festival is a fun outing for the whole family! Enjoy wagon rides through the Springwater Forest, tour the old-fashioned sugar shanty for live maple syrup production demonstrations, catch some tree tapping demonstrations, and treat yourself to some fresh pancakes with Canadian maple syrup. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child, and does not include the pancake house, which is cash only. For more information, check out their event calendar and follow their Facebook page for updates. 

📍Springwater Conservation Area, 8059 Springwater Road, Aylmer, ON
📅 Festival: March 14-17, 19-22, and 28
🕒10am-3pm
📅Pancake House: March 14-22, and 28-29
🕒​ 10am-2pm

Mark April 25 in your calendar to come gather in the heart of Downtown St. Thomas to celebrate all things maple, local, and Canadian! Each year the Horton Farmers' Market celebrates the end of winter, the sweetness of local maple, and the best local and handmade Canadian products with their indoor and outdoor Maple Fest market. Come celebrate with your community, enjoy delicious local maple treats, learn about maple syrup farming from Palmer's Maple Syrup, explore the history of maple syrup and maple farming with an interactive Goosechase scavenger hunt (download the app and join with game code: ASJRID), enjoy live music, and so much more! 

To stay up-to-date on special vendor offerings, market activities, scavenger hunt information and prizes, and maple facts, make sure to RSVP to Maple Fest and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. See you there! 

​📍 Horton Farmers' Market, 10 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas, ON
📅 April 25
🕒​ 9am-1pm

If you've ever cracked open a fresh egg from your local farmers' market and noticed the deep golden yolk, firm whites, and rich flavour, you already know there's something special about farm-fresh eggs. Eggs bought directly from local farmers often taste better, cook better, and are connected to your local communities and farmers. At the Horton Farmers' Market in Downtown St. Thomas, some farmers bring fresh eggs each week, giving you access to some of the freshest eggs available, in addition to local poultry, meats, and more. But what qualities make local eggs so different? 

One of the biggest factors in flavour and quality is how fresh the eggs are. Eggs sold at large grocery stores often travel through a long supply chain, where they may be collected from large farms, sent to processing facilities, packaged, transported to warehouses, and then distributed to stores. By the time they reach your kitchen, they could be several weeks old, which isn't bad, but the difference in a fresh egg is easily noticeable. Eggs purchased at a farmers' market are usually much fresher, as many farmers collect eggs just days before market day. 

Fresh eggs typically have firm, thick egg whites, round, raised yolks, better texture when cooked, and a richer flavour. If you've ever fried a farm egg and noticed how the yolk stays tall instead of spreading flat, that's a sign of freshness!

What chickens eat also affects egg flavour. The diet of hens plays a big role in the taste and nutritional quality of eggs, and chickens on small, local farms often eat a more varied diet that may include grains, seeds, plants, insects, kitchen scraps, and pasture forage. This natural and diverse diet can influence the colour and flavour of the egg yolks. Farm-fresh eggs often have deep golden or orange yolks, a richer, more complex flavour, and better texture for baking and cooking. While yolk colour doesn't automatically mean higher nutrition, many people find that eggs from hens raised on varied diets have a more satisfying, well-rounded taste. 

Buying eggs at a farmers' market means you are often purchasing directly from small-scale farmers who raise chickens in smaller flocks, like at Quaker Springs Farm. Small-scale farmers typically collect their eggs by hand, are easily able to monitor their flock health closely, can maintain a variety of clean nesting areas, and focus on quality over large-scale production. Because local eggs go straight from farm to market, they usually spend less time in storage or transportation, which helps preserve their freshness (as well as cutting down on environmental impact and emissions). 

​Another major advantage of buying eggs locally is transparency. When you buy eggs at a farmers' market from local farmers, you are often chatting with the person who raises the chickens that have produced your eggs. Farmers are happy to answer questions about their chickens diets, if they are free-run or pasture-raised, how they collect their eggs, and what breeds of chickens they raise. This direct connection to farmers is unique, and can help you better understand how your food is produced, while building a trusting relationship between farmers and their community. 

Buying eggs locally doesn't just benefit your diet, it also helps support your friends, neighbours, and community. When you buy eggs from farmers at markets like Horton, you are helping small family farms remain sustainable, strengthening local food systems, keeping money within your local economy, and supporting agricultural knowledge being passed down to future generations. Supporting local farmers also reduces the distance food travels from their farms to your plate, helping create a more resilient and environmentally conscious food system. 

Because of their freshness and quality, local eggs can elevate many everyday meals. Their flavours and quality are especially great for scrambled eggs and omelettes, baking cakes and breads, homemade pasta, quiches and frittatas, and in custards and desserts. 

If you want to taste the difference for yourself, consider picking up some farm-fresh eggs during your next Saturday market morning visit to the Horton Farmers' Market. Not only will you be bringing home a delicious, versatile ingredient, you'll also be supporting local farmers who work hard to provide high-quality food for their communities. From richer flavour to fresher quality, it's easy to see why so many people say local eggs simply taste better. 

After moving to Canada, Bella Kim quickly found herself missing her families Korean home cooking, especially her grandmother's kimchi. A staple side dish in Korean households going back over two thousand years, kimchi is a traditional fermented vegetable dish, typically made with napa cabbage or radish, seasoned with chili, garlic, ginger, and other spices. "Kimchi is an important part of Korean culture, but for me, it also carries personal memories and family history," Bella explained. "To me, it is more than just food - it holds tradition, love, and connection." So when Bella decided to start making her family kimchi recipe, she figured that other people in her community might enjoy the dish as well, so she started Bella's Ferment Co. (previously known as Bella's Acacia Catering) in 2019. 

Made from salted and seasoned fermented vegetables, kimchi is a powerful superfood known for its bold flavours and probiotic benefits. There are over 100 different types of kimchi in Korea, each varying by region, season, and main ingredient, and each kind offers a different taste and texture - some are spicy, some are sour, some are crisp (Narishkin, 2017). According to records, kimchi dates as far back as the Three Kingdoms of Korea (37 BCE - 7CE), with its origin rooted in the fundamental need for food preservation (Narishkin, 2017; Oh, 2025).

Due to Korea's long, cold winters, growing fresh vegetables year-round was impossible, so people had to preserve their crops for survival (Oh, 2025). Ancient Koreans preserved their vegetables, mainly cabbages and radishes, through simple salting or brining (Oh, 2025). Around the 12th century was when other ingredients started to appear in kimchi, with native spices and flavourings like ginger, garlic, and the indigenous Korean mustard plant (Oh, 2025). Over time, Koreans began to experiment with fermentation techniques and flavours to create nutritious and flavourful side dishes, but the kimchi we have come to know today is relatively new, with its transformation linked directly to the trading and use of new global ingredients (Oh, 2025). Modern kimchi often gets its iconic red colour from Gochu, a chili pepper not native to Korea (Oh, 2025). Gochu was primarily used for medicinal purposes, but its preservative qualities and sharp flavour quickly made it a staple spice in Korea (Oh, 2025). By the 18th century, chili powder, known as gochugaru, became the dominant ingredient, replacing the historical milder spices and dramatically changing kimchi's preservation efficacy, colour, and flavour profile (Oh, 2025). But where chili provides heat and colour, garlic is the backbone of kimchi's complex flavour and acts as another powerful preservative (Oh, 2025).

Like many Korean's, Bella has fond memories of making kimchi with her family. Every year, many Korean families participate in Kimjang - the UNESCO-inscribed tradition of collective kimchi making, which is rooted in the centuries-old tradition of collectively preparing and sharing large quantities of kimchi in late autumn to sustain the entire family or community through the winter (Oh, 2025). "I have been making kimchi since I was a child, helping my grandmother and mother prepare it," Bella said with a smile. "Kimchi was a part of celebrations and daily life. It was made constantly, and I was always involved in the process." Bella has fond memories of eating kimchi that her grandmother made from a young age with her family. "When I first started eating it, it was too spicy," she laughed. "I used to dip it in water before eating it." All of Bella's kimchi's are based on her family recipe, dating back to before the modern Korea era, which has been passed down from generation to generation, making her kimchi unique and special. In addition to her family recipe, Bella also prides herself on offering vegan kimchi that doesn't contain fish paste or seafood-based sauces - something which makes her products stand out. "Historically, these ingredients were not always used, especially in regions where access to the ocean was limited," Bella explained. "Our recipe stays true to those traditional roots." 

​For Bella, providing high-quality and authentic Korean and other fermented foods to her communities is an act of love, connection, and continuing tradition. "Making kimchi is not easy, it takes time and dedication," explained Bella. "It is a long process that requires time, patience, and attention. For natural fermentation to occur, ingredients must sit and develop over time. There is a lot of washing, chopping, measuring, and carefully spreading seasoning. The fermentation process requires monitoring, refrigeration at different stages, pH testing, and consistent attention and care to ensure both safety and quality." 

Along with their vegan kimchi recipes, Bella's Ferment Co. kimchi is 100% whole food, made with clean ingredients and without 10 different allergens. "This is very unique, especially here in Canada, where much of the kimchi available is imported and may contain additives or common allergens," said Bella. "[Making clean kimchi] is important to us because we strive to preserve the original flavour and health benefits that authentic kimchi offers. We want our products to be accessible to more people while still maintaining its integrity." Bella's Ferment Co. works hard to source as many local ingredients as possible, including salt, carrots, and peppers. All of their products are made in a certified facility in nearby London, ON. "One of the biggest challenges in Canada is finding farmers who understand how and when to grow the specific vegetables we need," explained Bella. "Quality ingredients are essential to maintaining authenticity, and supporting local suppliers helps ensure freshness while also strengthening our community connections." 

Kimchi is a "marvel of food science", a probiotic powerhouse created through a complex fermentation process (Oh, 2025). It's fermentation is what truly sets it apart from simple pickles or raw vegetable preparations (Oh, 2025). A source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and powerful antioxidants, kimchi is considered one of the world's best fermented foods  (Narishkin, 2017; Oh, 2025). It's loaded with lactobacillus probiotics, which help improve gut health and digestions, and it's also rich in vitamins A, B, and C, plus antioxidants that support immunity (Narishkin, 2017). Some research even links regular kimchi consumption to lower cholesterol and anti-inflammatory effects (Narishkin, 2017). Bella's Ferment Co. kimchi's are also HACCP Certified, which Bella explained means their kimchi-making process has been analyzed and inspected at various stages to meet critical control points required for food safety. "This certification ensures we are producing quality kimchi that is safe, high-quality, and carefully monitored," she said. Bella's Ferment Co. has recently expanded their varieties, and now offers around 12 different types of kimchi, ranging from traditional Napa cabbage to more unique options like carrot and chive kimchi. 

Narishkin, A. (2017, June 13). All You Need to Know About Kimchi, the Traditional Korean Side Dish. Culture Trip. All You Need To Know About Kimchi, The Traditional Korean Side Dish

Oh, G. (2025, November 23). Kimchi: The History, Science, and Culture of Korea's Food. KCulture.com. Kimchi: The History, Science, And Culture Of Korea's Food | KCulture.com: K-Pop, Travel, Food & Authentic Insights

When you shop locally at the Horton Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, you aren't just buying fresh, quality food from local farmers; you're also playing an important part in supporting agricultural biodiversity. 

Agricultural biodiversity, often called agrobiodiversity, is the foundation of our food system. It is made up of a wide variety of plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems that make food production possible. But protecting and promoting agrobiodiversity isn't only important for food production; it's also important for protecting the health of our environments, the sustainability of our farming practices, and resilience throughout climate change. 

Agricultural biodiversity encompasses all the components of biological diversity relevant to food and agriculture, spanning from cultivated crops and domesticated animals to wild relatives, soil organisms, and essential pollinators. All these components interact within our ecosystems and farming systems to support productivity, adaptation, and ecological stability. 
​
Agricultural biodiversity exists on three important levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Here are some examples of how they show up through farmers' markets:

Genetic Diversity (within species)
Think of the dozens of tomato varieties you might see at the Horton Farmers' Market during the main season. From tiny cherry tomatoes to striped heirlooms and deep purple slicers, they're all tomatoes, but they are genetically unique. Each variety carries unique traits - flavours, disease resistance, drought tolerance - that help keep our food system resilient. 

Species Diversity (among species)
A vendor table filled with carrots, beets, squash, and herbs is a visual representation of species diversity in action. When local farms grow multiple crops instead of just one, they help improve soil health, reduce pest pressure naturally, spread their economic risk, and offer customers a better nutritional variety. 

Ecosystem Diversity (among environments)
Southwestern Ontario is home to many unique and different ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, farmlands, and pollinators habitats. Healthy farms work with these ecosystems, protecting hedgerows, supporting bees, and building rich soil instead of depleting it. 

Biodiversity isn't just a global issue; it's a local concern as well. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 75% of the world's crop genetic diversity was lost in the 20th century. Today, only 12 plant species and 5 animal species make up roughly two-thirds of the global food supply, making our food system very fragile and vulnerable to extreme weather, new crop diseases, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs. When farms rely on a single crop (a monoculture), one bad season can mean devastating losses, not just for the farm, but for their communities and reliant food systems. 

But when farmers grow diverse crops, as many Horton farmers do, they build resilience in their fields and in our community's food supply. If one crop doesn't perform well, they can still bring other crops to market, allowing them to continue farming and providing fresh, local food to their communities.
​

Biodiversity isn't just important for our food system; it also provides essential ecosystem services like pollination by bees and other insects, natural pest control, water regulation, and soil fertility and nutrient cycling. Insect pollination alone contributes hundreds of billions of dollars annually to global food production, with one in every three bites of food we eat depending on pollination. Without pollinators, many fruits and vegetables simply wouldn't exist. 

At the Horton Farmers' Market, when you buy local honey, fruits, and vegetables, you're supporting local beekeepers, farmers, and stewards of the land, who work hard to ensure that pollinators stay healthy, have ample populations, and can work to support our diverse agricultural offerings. By participating in events like Pollinator Week and engaging in educational activities like Goosechases and native plant sales, you are expanding your awareness and working towards supporting pollinators in your own life, while gaining the knowledge to help inform and promote pollinator support in your communities. 

But biodiversity impact goes beyond our pollinators. It is also found in farm pastures, certified kitchens, and in an artisan's hands. When you buy pasture-raised meats like the local beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, and more found at Horton, you're supporting farms that often use rotational grazing and small herd sizes, which builds soil health, increases plant diversity, and supports ethical meat practices.

Farmers' Markets like Horton are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect and support agricultural biodiversity. They give space to heirloom and heritage crops. They create demand for seasonal and regionally adapted foods. They support small-scale farmers instead of industrial monocultures. And they allow consumers to directly influence what gets grown through supply and demand. 

When you shop for variety and seasonality from local farmers, you are helping keep different genetics alive, while encouraging and supporting agricultural biodiversity. It may seem small if one crop variety disappears or an heirloom variety isn't grown anymore, but each lost variety has massive impacts, including:

• Lost genetic traits
• Lost flavour
• Lost cultural heritage
• Lost resilience for future generations

In a time of ever changing climate, these genetic traits and resilience could be exactly what future farmers, and future food security, needs. 

Agricultural biodiversity is the backbone of a healthy, sustainable food system. It supports farmers, protects ecosystems, strengthens local economies, and builds resilience against climate change. You don't have to be a scientist or policymaker to protect biodiversity; you just need to be a conscious shopper willing to eat seasonally and try new varieties from local farmers. The next time you visit the Horton Farmers' Market, remember that each purchase sends a message about what we want our food system to look like. 

Try a vegetable you've never cooked before. Buy a different apple or tomato variety than you usually go for. Ask farmers about their seed-saving practices. Support local honey producers, and choose seasonal products over imported options. By supporting local farmers and producers, you aren't just filling up your basket or market bags with delicious, local options - you're helping grow a more diverse, resilient future for our entire community. 

References
World Farmers Markets Coalition. (2025, May 26). Agricultural Biodiversity: The Key to Food Security and Sustainable Farming. ​Agricultural Biodiversity: The Key to Food Security and Sustainable Farming – World Farmers Markets Coalition

In a modern world of mass production and online convenience, it's easy to forget the value of handmade goods and locally created art. Yet local artisans and artists are the heart of vibrant communities like St. Thomas and Elgin County. When you support them, you're not just purchasing a product, we're investing in creativity, sustainability, and connection. 

Farmers' markets play a vital role in making that connection possible. Spaces like the Horton Farmers' Market provide a welcoming space where artisans can showcase their talents, share their knowledge and stories, and build meaningful relationships with their community. 

When you buy from a local artisan, your money stays in your community. Your spending power supports families, small business, and local and Canadian suppliers. Each purchase creates a ripple effect, helping your local economy grow in a sustainable way rather than sending profits elsewhere. 

Artisans bring skill, passion, creativity and originality to each piece and work they create. Whether it's handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodworking, baked goods, or visual art, each piece holds hours of dedication, energy, care, and creativity. Supporting your local artisans helps preserve traditional skills, while also exposing and encouraging new generations of artisans to pursue crafts, continue traditions, and encourage innovation. 

Many local artisans prioritize eco-friendly materials, small-batch production, and thoughtful local and Canadian sourcing. Shopping from local artisans at Horton also helps reduce transportation emissions and packaging waste, making your purchases not only beautiful and unique, but more environmentally conscious compared to mass production. 

Unlike shopping in large retail stores, markets like Horton allow for face-to-face interactions between local artisans and their community members. On any given Saturday morning you can come to the market, meet your local makers, learn about their materials, process, and creativity, and understand the story, meaning, and craft behind what you're buying. You get to connect with and know your local artisans, and buying a piece from them isn't just a transaction, it creates a meaningful connection and relationship. 

Farmers' markets are more than just places to buy food, they are gathering spaces where communities come together. Markets like Horton provide an accessible and affordable platform for artisans to share their work with a wide audience, receive direct feedback from customers, build loyal relationships with their communities, grow their small businesses, and collaborate with other local creators. 

Art has the power to bring people together; it sparks conversation, inspires emotion, and reflects the culture of its communities and spaces. When artisans have an accessible and affordable platform to share their works, the entire community benefits.

​Supporting local artisans doesn't require a big budget. Some simple ways to make a difference for your local artisans include things like:

• Purchasing handmade goods as a gift instead of buying from a mass producer
• Sharing artisans businesses on social media to help promote their work and passion
• Leaving positive reviews for their businesses on Google and Facebook
• Chatting with artisans to learn their stories and connection to the community
• Encouraging friends and family to shop local at markets like Horton

Every purchase, conversation, review, and share helps amplify a local artisan's work and promote your community.

Local artisans in St. Thomas and Elgin County bring beauty, creativity, and authenticity to our community, and the Horton Farmers' Market is proud to be space where artisans can come to grow, connect, and share their talents. When you choose to support local artisans, you're helping build a stronger, more connected and economically stable community, where we support one another in our passions and endeavours. By shopping local, you are investing in the people who make our communities unique, all while also working to ensure that art, creativity, and craftsmanship continue to flourish for generations to come.

As winter settles in and the world turns its attention to the excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics, there's a shared sense of pride that feels uniquely Canadian. We cheer for our athletes determination, resilience, and hard work, and we come together as a community to celebrate all their efforts and achievements. But the power, support, and values of community don't just exist in sport, they are right here at the Horton Farmers' Market too.

When Canadian athletes step onto the world stage, they carry years of dedication, early mornings, and unwavering passion. In many ways, our local farmers, bakers, growers, and artisans share that same commitment to their craft. 

Every product on their market table represents perseverance through changing seasons, unpredictable weather, and countless hours of hard work and care. When you choose Canadian-grown and Canadian-made, you're offering your own kind of cheering and support - one that helps small businesses and farms continue doing what they love.

The Winter Olympics remind us how powerful it is to come together. Whether gathered around a screen, wrapped in a flag, or celebrating a hard-earned medal, connection is at the heart of the moment.

​Farmers’ markets create that same feeling on a smaller, everyday scale. A Saturday morning visit becomes a place to reconnect, share stories, and support neighbours. Your purchases don’t travel far—they circulate within the community, strengthening local farms, families, and futures.

Winter in Canada has always been about making warmth from the cold—hearty soups, fresh bread, preserved harvests, maple sweetness, and handmade comforts.

​Local food and goods reflect the ingenuity and care that define Canadian living. Because they’re grown, raised, or crafted nearby, they arrive fresher, travel less, and carry a lighter environmental footprint. Supporting them is a way of honouring both the land and the people who work it.

Not every act of support comes with a medal ceremony—but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. One basket of local groceries, one handmade gift, one winter morning a week spent at the market.

​Together, these simple choices help ensure the Horton Farmers’ Market continues to thrive through every season. They keep Canadian creativity, agriculture, and entrepreneurship strong long after the Olympic flame is out.

This winter, celebrating Canada can be as simple as shopping close to home. Every Canadian-made purchase is a vote for community, resilience, and the spirit that defines us—on the world stage and right here in St. Thomas.

​We can’t wait to welcome you to the market. Bundle up, shop local, and carry that Canadian spirit with you all season long

Valentine's Day often arrives with big expectations - fancy dinners, elaborate plans, and pressure to make everything perfect. But romance can be much simpler, and more meaningful, than that. Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the quiet ones: warm drinks on a cold morning, shared laughter over fresh baked goods, or choosing something thoughtful and handmade from a local artisan with care. 

That's what makes the Horton Farmers' Market such a special place. Whether you're celebrating a long-time love, a new relationship, or simply spending time with friends who matter, the market offers the perfect starting point for connection, comfort, and a little winter magic. Here are some fun, thoughtful date ideas that start with Horton.

Start with a Slow Saturday Morning
There's something quietly romantic about a slow market morning. No rushing, no reservations, just quality time together to start the weekend. Wander through the market building together, taking note of the colours, smalls, and friendly smiles from local vendors. Pick out a fresh breakfast to share with coffee or tea, treat yourselves to a fresh baked pastry or treat, then step outside for a peaceful morning walk together through downtown St. Thomas. Take the morning to spend quality time with one another, enjoying each others company, and letting the day take you where it may. 

Build Your Own Date Night Basket
One of the sweetest traditions you can create together starts right at the market with fresh, local ingredients and inspiration. One at a time, let each person secretly choose four small items: one snack, one drink, one dessert, one cozy extra (a candle, jam, honey, or handmade good). Bring your reusable bags and hide your goodies so your partner doesn't see, then take everything home, spread out a blanket on the floor, and reveal your surprises! It's playful, personal, and completely unique to the two of you - while supporting local. 

Cook Something Local, Together
Few things bring people closer than cooking side-by-side and working together to create a beautiful dish. At the Horton Farmers' Market, you can find everything you need for a cozy Valentine's dinner at home, raised and made with love and care by your friends and neighbours. Plan ahead with some inspiration, or stroll through the market building and see what speaks to you. From farm-fresh eggs and meats, to fresh bread and baked goods, local honey, preserves and sauces, and fresh local greens and dairy, there are many options to choose from. Take it all home, turn on some music, pour yourselves a drink, and cook together in the kitchen. You don't have to be Martha Stewart to create a delicious meal, and the memories and quality time will last forever. 

Try a Thoughtful Gift Challenge
Romance doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Set a small budget, $15 or $20 each, and wander the market separately to find a gift for the other person. The only rule: it has to mean something. Hide your gift in a reusable bag, grab a coffee together, and exchange your gifts later and share why you chose them. You may be surprised how emotional such a simple idea can become, and who knows, maybe it will become a tradition. 

End the Day with Cozy Winter Magic
After your market morning, keep the date going in gentle, low-pressure ways. Stop by a local cafe or restaurant for a coffee or lunch, and enjoy a walk through downtown St. Thomas together, stopping to admire murals and explore shops. Go for a scenic drive with your favourite songs playing and explore the beautiful areas of Elgin County, and later pick out a classic movie to enjoy together with your market goodies.

Love Local, Love Each Other
Choosing the Horton Farmers' Market as part of your Valentine's celebration does more than create a beautiful date - it supports the farmers, bakers, and artisans who pour their hearts into our community all year long. Every purchase is a small act of love for local families, local dreams, and the place we all call home. And in a season often defined by grand gestures, there's something especially meaningful about that. 

At the end of the day, Valentine's magic isn't really about flowers or chocolates or perfect plans. It's about time, presence, and connection - and sometimes, all of that can begin with a simple Saturday morning at the market. So this February (and every month), start your story where community, warmth, and love naturally come together. Right here at Horton. 

After becoming a Canadian citizen and graduating with her diploma in Jewelry and Metals from Georgian College, artisan Loren Harrison started her business, QuArtzy by Loren, in 2022. Born in the Philippines, Loren's first career was in business administration - working in the Philippines and in Abu Dhabi after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. "I've always had a passion for jewelry," Loren said with a smile. "And I have always been good at crafts. My husband suggested that since I love jewelry, I should become a professional artisan." With his encouragement, along with her schooling and passion, Loren decided to take the leap and start working from her home studio to bring unique designs to life.

Loren believes that jewelry should be more than just an accessory - she believes it should be an expression of individuality and style. Each piece has its own inspiration and story, all fully designed and handmade by Loren herself. "Each design has a focus on minimalist and contemporary aesthetics," she explained. "I use a variety of techniques and materials to create jewelry that is both beautiful and affordable."

For her handcrafted jewelry, Loren uses precious metals (Argentium Silver and Sterling Silver), some copper, and semi-precious gemstones in many forms, including faceted, polished, cabochon, natural tumbled stone, pearls, abalone shells, and more. "I like to use Argentium Silver because it has unique and superior properties compared to traditional Sterling Silver," Loren explained. "It is a high purity silver with a brighter, whiter colour. It has a longer lasting shine, more strength and durability, and is hypoallergenic and responsible."

Through her Jewelry and Metals program, Loren gained valuable hands-on experience and skills. "We were taught so much," said Loren. "From ancient techniques like chasing and repousse, reticulation, cuttlefish bone casting, water casting and more, to modern techniques for fabrication, stone setting, metalsmithing, gemology, repairs, lapidary and more." A wealth of knowledge, Loren is always more than happy to answer any questions about her pieces, process, and materials.

​Each of QuArtzy by Loren's pieces is designed and made with care and happiness, giving Loren the freedom to craft unique pieces from scratch through self-expression. "I get a lot of inspiration from my love of nature," Loren said with a smile. "Every time I go out I take my camera with me. I like to take close-up pictures of small things, like flowers, leaves, bark of trees, and dragon flies. I use these pictures as inspiration for elements of my designs." In addition to nature, Loren also finds inspiration through her materials. "The beauty of gemstones inspires me as well," she explained. "Each stone has its own beauty, especially when placed in a handcrafted setting."

In addition to her original designs, QuArtzy by Loren also takes custom orders, crafting unique pieces which fit your style. "I love creating unique items that are meaningful and give happiness to the wearer," Loren said with a proud smile. "Making handmade jewelry allows me to demonstrate my skill of creating unique pieces from scratch through self-expression." Like many artisans, Loren finds solace in her craft. "The rhythmic sound of hammering and watching the flow of metals when forging and texturing gives me a sense of relaxation," she explained. "It takes time to craft a piece. Some take a few hours, some take minutes, and some take weeks to create."

QuArtzy by Loren has something for everyone - from unique Silver necklaces, elegant pendants, trendy chokers and timeless brooches, to stylish rings, beautiful earrings, chic bangles and sophisticated bracelets. Designed to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the wearers style, Loren's pieces each have their own feel, voice, and pull. Her collections are designed to cater to all age groups and styles, and are designed to be not only beautiful but uniquely affordable. In addition to the Horton Farmers' Market, QuArtzy by Loren pieces can also be found at the Art Emporium in Port Stanley and the Olde Stanton Store in The Blue Mountains.