Something special stirs in the air as summer fades and crisp air rolls in. The Harvest Moon (the full moon closest to the fall equinox), marks a time of unmatched abundance, reflection, and celebration. And here at the Horton Farmers' Market - we're embracing every moment of the season.   ​

As the autumn air settles over St. Thomas, the Horton Farmers Market transforms into a celebration of fall's finest harvest. From the unmistakable snap of a fresh-picked apple to the rich scent of cinnamon wafting from baked goods, there’s no better place to enjoy the season than right here at the market. Whether you're a returning regular or a first-time visitor, here's your guide to the can't-miss fall favourites at the market, plus a few creative ways to enjoy them.

What originally started out as a YouTube channel called The Cool Cookie Show, featuring tutorials on baking and decorating cookies, turned into a physical business in around two and a half years under the hard work and dedication of owner Gabby Versnick. When Gabby transitioned into actually working in the kitchen, she didn't want to lose the social following she had built up over time. So with the help of a friend to pivot the naming of the business, The Cool Cookie Kitchen officially opened, and has been making delicious and beautiful cookies ever since. 

​When you stroll through the Horton Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, you’re part of a ritual as old as community itself. Farmers bring in the season’s best, bakers rise before dawn to fill baskets with fresh bread, and neighbours gather to share food and stories. It’s not unlike the spirit behind Oktoberfest—what started not as a beer festival, but as a wedding celebration and harvest feast more than 200 years ago in Bavaria.

​At Good Food Farms, farming is more than a livelihood; it's a mission. Tina, farm owner and manager, launched this farm-to-table social enterprise rooted in a deep respect for the land, food, and the belief that how and where our food is grown is one of the biggest contributors to both human health and the health of our planet.
 
Their current focus is on producing high-quality, free-range, pastured chicken, but their vision for the future stretches far beyond poultry. Tina has plans to scale up and get into more niche crops. Excitingly, they plan on opening their new farm store in Lucan toward the end of the year, allowing them to grow and build something sustainable, rooted in community, and sharing good food farmed right.

​For Adam of Paterson Woodcrafts, woodworking began as a quiet hobby; something he did for himself, his friends, family, and for pure enjoyment. “I used to just give it away,” Adam said with a smile. But over time, that passion took root, shaped by decades of deep respect for the craft. 2025 has marked Adam's first year of selling his works publicly - and the Horton Farmers' Market is happy to be his launchpad.

Lotus Thai began in 2006 when Pom Quangvan Montague, after previously running a small private catering business, opened her first Lotus Thai location on the corner of John and Talbot Streets in midtown St. Thomas. After a few years there, she moved to 295 Talbot Street, where the restaurant still thrives. They have become a community staple, celebrated by the community for nearly 20 years, and they contribute so much to the tapestry of authentic cultural food experiences in our community. ​