At the Horton Farmers’ Market, we often talk about fresh strawberries, homemade jams, and that first crisp bunch of asparagus as signs that the season is in full swing. But behind every bundle of rhubarb and every handshake at the farm stand, there’s a deeper story—one rooted in community care, food access, and resilience.
Farmers’ markets like ours are more than just a weekend destination—they’re part of a broader movement toward food security. While we celebrate local harvests and familiar faces, we’re also helping to create a food system that’s more equitable, more transparent, and more connected to the people it serves.
We took a closer look at how farmers’ markets contribute to tackling food insecurity, and why local food systems matter more than ever. Whether you come for the produce or the people, every visit supports a stronger, more equitable future for our community.

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.

​For 2025 Maple Fest we brought back the online scavenger hunt fun with Goosechase!🪿Goosechase brings an extra level of fun to the already sweet themed market day, and also gives market go-ers a chance to win one of two fantastic prize baskets filled with wonderful prizes donated by some Maple Fest vendors! The prizes (each valued at over $200) consist of some delicious local maple syrups, jams, meats, cheeses, artisan products, gift certificates and more 🥰

With a lake view in the distance, surrounded by sugar maples, Palmer's Maple Syrup is an idyllic experience of a Canadian tradition near Port Stanley. Nearly 100 years ago, Brian Palmer's Grandparents purchased the family farm, and like many of their neighbours, they took to harvesting the sweet sap from the surrounding trees. Over the years, the family wasn't always in the Maple Syrup business- but since 1955, it's undoubtedly been a sweet success.

Long before Jason married his wife in 2014, her family had a jam recipe that was passed down her family line. When she was little, her mother started making jam, alongside growing lots of herbs, flowers and fruits in her home garden. After marrying into the family, Jason’s mother-in-law would make her jam for his children (her grandchildren), and one day he finally tried some. “[My mother-in-law] has always been a great cook,” Jason said. “My kids now refuse to eat store bought [jams]. One day [I tried some of her jam] and I couldn’t believe how good it was!” Since then, Jason hasn’t found a jam that has come close to his mother-in-laws in terms of taste and quality. ​

Since 1816, the Pettit family has been farming in the Belmont area in Elgin County. Initially starting off as a mixed farm, through the years dairy farming became the staple for the family. Tom grew up on the Belmont farm with his parents Murray and Betty, and with his sister Suzanne. Eventually, Tom and Suzanne wanted to continue the family farm and traditions; attending Ridgetown College, returning home to continue the farm, and later meeting his now wife and farm/business partner Kris. “Tom wouldn’t want to do anything else,” Kris said with a smile. “This is what he’s wanted to do his whole life.” Tom and Kris then had two daughters, Maddie and Kadie, and together they all work hard to continue the dairy family farm and traditions through Mistyglen Holsteins and Mistyglen Creamery. ​

Julie and Greg of Gully Ridge Farms moved onto their homestead family farm, just outside of Port Stanley, in 2016. Greg decided that he wanted to use some acreage to try and dabble with some farming, and he ended up settling on garlic, since there aren’t any garlic farms in the area that grow on a large scale. They officially named their farm Gully Ridge in 2017, after the tall hills and winding gully the farm oversees. ​