The Horton Farmers' Market was founded in 1878, named after former mayor Ed Horton, who generously donated the land for its site - positioned strategically near Talbot Street and the CASO railway station, cementing its role as a regional hub for fresh and local goods. Even before its formal establishment, St. Thomas served as a natural gathering point for farmers by the 1830s, thanks to its location at key road and rail intersections.

Historically, farmers' markets were essential community hubs for buying, selling, and trading goods, where country farmers would bring their goods into populated urban areas for city customers to come and buy. Preceding modern-day grocery stores and markets, farmers' markets were often the only places where people could go to purchase livestock, produce, and goods of different varieties in one location. If you have ever attended a local Renaissance fair, you may have seen displays showing how different bartering and buying of livestock, produce, and goods were done. 

The Horton Farmers' Market is easy to take for granted. On a sunny Saturday, with coffee in one hand and a carton of fresh strawberries in the other, it feels like it's always been here—woven into the rhythm of life in St. Thomas. But its roots run deep, and the story of how it came to be says a lot about how this city grew and what it has always valued.

​We've discussed the history surrounding our beloved Horton Farmers' Market over the past 140 years, but what about the history of the downtown we call home? Since its settlement in 1810, St. Thomas has expanded into a modern city and home to 42,000, with remnants of its history scattered throughout. ​

​​For over 140 seasons, The Horton Farmers’ Market has been a central aspect of St. Thomas and Elgin County’s history and growth, offering visitors an array of produce, services, crafts and more. Time and time again, the market has proven to be a success through the ages, bringing in crowds every Saturday of the season, eager to find a sweet treat, fresh vegetables, a gift, and more. While the market concept has remained similar through the years, its importance and meaning have since evolved.