Celebrating the Return of Main Season at Horton This Mother's Day Weekend

Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes one of the most exciting times of the year - the return of main season! As the weather begins to warm up, trees begin to bud, and the we gather indoors and outdoors under the market building and pavilions once again, the Horton Farmers' Market comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours that make spring in St. Thomas so special. This year’s opening weekend also falls alongside Mother’s Day weekend, creating the perfect opportunity to celebrate local food, local makers, and the people we love most. From the return of fresh farm produce and outdoor vendors to live music and family-friendly activities, there’s no better way to welcome the season.

One of the biggest signs of spring is the return of fresh produce and local farmers at the Horton market tables. After a long winter, tables filled with fresh leafy greens, vegetables, preserves and more fills our hearts with joy. Catching up with farmers, seeing the beautiful array of natural colours, and smelling the fresh picked flowers with family and friends is so rewarding and refueling after a long winter. 

​Opening day also marks the return of the full outdoor market experience. As vendor booths fill our pavilion spaces once again, Horton comes alive each weekend as a vibrant gathering place where community can explore everything from handmade crafts and baked goods to preserves, artisan products, and ready-to-enjoy treats. The energy of main season is something we look forward to all year, and we cannot wait to share it with you! 

Mother’s Day arriving alongside opening weekend once again, Horton is the perfect place to find meaningful gifts that go beyond the ordinary. Instead of big-box store purchases, handmade and locally crafted gifts carry a personal touch and a story behind them. Whether it’s something baked, grown, sewn, poured, painted, or handcrafted - shopping from local artisans supports small businesses while giving moms something truly unique. In a world filled with mass-produced products, handmade gifts stand out because they feel intentional and personal — qualities that perfectly reflect what Mother’s Day is all about.

Haven't had time to plan something special for mom and wanting to do something different from a gift this year? Pick her up and bring her out to the market to share quality time and inspiration together. Stop by Harris Flower Farms & Pastured Pork to smell the flowers and let her pick out a bouquet that speaks to her. Wander through the pavilions enjoying the live music with a fresh coffee or tea, or sit down at our painted picnic tables and enjoy a hot breakfast together. Explore fresh produce and local ingredients to find inspiration for a meal together, and find some desserts made by local bakers to end the meal on a truly sweet note. 

Remembering your mother or mother-figure with a trip to the market can be a beautiful Saturday outing as well. Bring a piece of her with you to enjoy the day together, just in a different way. Wear a piece of her jewellery or clothing, pick up some ingredients to make one of her famous dishes, and chat about memories with family and friends. Pick up some of her favourite flowers to take home, sit down with a coffee and find some calm in the hustle and bustle, and take the day as it flows. 

As we welcome the return of main season, opening weekend at Horton offers more than just shopping. It’s a celebration of community, local food, creativity, and the beginning of another growing season. Whether you’re visiting for farm-fresh produce, live music, outdoor vendors, or the perfect Mother’s Day gift or outing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This spring, celebrate local, celebrate community, and celebrate the people who make the market, and your life, so special. ​