Many locals enjoy Saturday mornings at the Horton Farmer’s Market, but four hours always feels too short! Luckily, the Market is right in the heart of downtown Talbot Street, making for a perfect starting point on a Saturday of exploring locally! 

Through the three different centuries the Market has seen, many aspects have changed, except for one; Food. A constant necessity, food has become a bond for not only families but also communities and cities. The Market offers a great selection of the best in the county, uniting farms, businesses and local growers with their customers. With great restaurant locations on Talbot only a short walk away from the Market, you can spend your Saturday sampling everything sweet, salty and savoury that screams St. Thomas! 

​It's a beautiful Saturday morning, and the sky isn't the only thing sunny-side up! Bonjour & Yum always offers a delicious way to start the day with their breakfast menu, featuring their signature OMG sausage breakfast sandwich, made in front of you using locally sourced mouthwatering sausage patties from Harris Flower Farm & Pastured Pork. What better pair with your sandwich than a nice cup of Streamliners locally roasted coffee? Perhaps you have more of a sweet tooth? The Fritter Shop has the freshest fritters in town, with various delicious flavours and fillings! 

​Are you looking to cool yourself down throughout the afternoon? Caps Off Brewing Company has mastered its brewing craft with a selection of ales, beers and brews perfect for the summer months. In the mood for something more sophisticated? Not into beer? Don't fear! Right next door From the Vines wine tasting can be found! With an array of wines from Austria, Germany, France and Italy and delicious charcuterie to sample, you'll feel as if you're on a European vacation. 

After some time spent downtown shopping and exploring, what better way to end the evening with a filling meal? If you're seeking something sophisticated, look no further than The Bistro. From delicious sirloin and salmon to seafood and salads, The Bistro has a menu sure to satisfy, a perfect ending to a food-filled Saturday. 

The Market is more than just a venue of local vendors, but a gateway to a day of downtown exploration! With so many unmentioned local restaurants and cafes, anyone passionate about all things food will surely have an extraordinary culinary experience. 

Picture it: Horton Market 2023 - a tiny explosion of flavour, a burst of colour, and a whole lot of nutrition, all packed into these adorable little greens. It's like a party for your taste buds and a treat for your body! So, let's take a joyful journey into the wonderful world of Lil' Greens Microgreens. They are not your typical business; the people behind Lil' Greens are all about supporting our fantastic community and delivering freshly harvested, nutrient-dense microgreens straight to your plate all year round! 

Randy Cassidy and Roxanne Sylvestre at Lil' Greens Microgreens are on a mission to spread joy and health, one tiny leaf at a time. They lovingly nurture these little greens from seed to harvest, ensuring every tiny plant bursts with flavour and vitality. It's like they're cultivating happiness in their greenhouse! 

First, let's talk about the incredible variety of these pocket-sized powerhouses. From peppery arugula to zesty radishes, earthy beets to refreshing kale, there's a microgreen for every palate and every culinary creation you can dream up! These tiny plants might be small, but they are mighty in flavour. Who knew something so little could pack such a punch?

At Lil' Greens, Randy and Roxanne are not just here to supply microgreens; they are here to cultivate a family. The pair supports the growing Lil' Greens family by providing customers high-quality organic seeds and grow kits to nurture their greens at home. The people at Lil' Greens are available to lend a helping hand and guide their community through any growing challenges that may be encountered.

Speaking of growth, Randy and Roxanne learned some valuable lessons along the way. Growing microgreens year-round can be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. But fear not! In their four years of experience, they have overcome countless obstacles and acquired a wealth of knowledge to support our growing community.  

Let's highlight Lil' Greens Microgreens' love for the Horton Farmers' Market. Randy and Roxanne are head over heels for the vibrant community that the Horton family, staff, vendors, and volunteers have created. It's a place where everyone works together, supporting each other and ensuring the customers' experience is filled with information and the highest quality products. They look forward to connecting with their amazing regular customers and fellow vendors every week, building our little market family.

As we dive into this exciting year, the Lil' Greens Microgreens team wants to highlight something special for all you shoppers: "This year we would like to highlight our professional quality grow kits. We educate & inspire you to grow your own microgreens at home. Great gift idea for any age, teach your children valuable knowledge for a lifetime…."

Now, let's talk about Roxanne's favourite ingredient: Arugula! Prepare for a peppery zest that will tantalize your taste buds. Arugula is one of the microgreens in their Spicy Mix. It's packed with Vitamins A, B, C & E. That's not all—it's also high in fibre, contains 25% protein, and boasts calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and essential amino acids. This tiny green packs a powerful punch of flavour that will elevate any dish to new heights!
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When life hands you microgreens, make a big, happy salad. So, grab your forks and dance with the flavours of Lil' Greens Microgreens. It's time to make every meal a vibrant celebration. Happy munching, green-loving friends! ​

Step into a floral wonderland where nature's beauty intertwines with Harris Flower Farm's enchanting artistry. Founded in 2008 by Janis and Mark, this family-owned business has blossomed into a blooming sensation, with their three kids growing up amidst the vibrant petals and fragrant scents of their market stalls. Now, let's take a delightful stroll through their captivating story and see what makes Harris Flower Farm genuinely extraordinary.

With her successful optical career, Janis yearned for something more—a chance to embrace her country roots and showcase her love for the land. Inspired by her mother's suggestion, Janis began cultivating gladiolus, placing them alongside their family's spot at the Horton Market. The response was overwhelming! Encouraged by the market's enthusiastic reception, Janis expanded her offerings, and Harris Flower Farm soon flourished into over 5 acres of exquisite blooms.

At Harris Flower Farm, they proudly defy conventions, offering a stunning array of flower varieties and types that even mainstream florists dare not use. With every bouquet they create, they capture the essence of each season, allowing their customers to experience the enchanting journey of nature's kaleidoscope. Their bouquets are a magical snapshot of seasonal beauty, from vibrant spring blossoms to cozy autumnal hues.

Harris Flower Farm extends its exquisite offerings to delight the senses of floral enthusiasts everywhere. Their blooms are in high demand and can be found at markets across Elgin County and their on-farm flower cart. But that's not all! Their online shop and flower delivery service ensure that friends and family can share the joy, making every occasion more memorable. 

The farm also provides flower bouquet subscriptions, adds a touch of charm to unforgettable special events, and creates breathtaking floral masterpieces for weddings that will forever be etched in memories.
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Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, the Harris Flower Farm team has witnessed a delightful spectacle: people choosing their weekly bouquets. Sometimes the decision is swift and definitive; other times, it's a captivating dance of contemplation and deliberation. The sheer joy of observing these moments has taught them the beauty of choice, individuality, and the simple pleasures derived from embracing the ephemeral nature of flowers.

What makes the Horton Farmers' Market genuinely exceptional? For Janis and Mark, it's the sense of belonging and the joy of watching their children grow alongside the market's vibrant tapestry. Their oldest, Cameron, is now learning the art of floral magic at their table. The warm embrace of the market's community, vendors and customers alike, has created a bond that transcends the transactions—a sense of family and shared passion that continues nourishing their spirits.

This year, Harris Flower Farm invites you to discover the convenience and splendour of its online shop. A thoughtful gesture of sending flowers to your loved ones in the area has never been more effortless. But that's not all—they specialize in crafting exceptional arrangements for every occasion, infusing a touch of floral magic into weddings, and offering solace with flowers.

Dear flower enthusiasts and market lovers, we extend an irresistible invitation to come down to the vibrant Horton Market, where the magic of Harris Flower Farm comes alive!

You can also get a taste of their pasture raised pork with a breakfast visit to Bonjour Breakfast - order the OMG sausage breakfast sandwich!

​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.

     When first established in 1878, named for Ed Horton, a former mayor of St. Thomas who donated land for the market site, the market played a pivotal role in community life. It was a hub for regional bounty – both from land and lake and the market became a bustling community hub for all in the area. Farming opportunities had brought families of farmers to the region, with plenty more visitors stopping in the small town by train. Being the middle stop between Detroit and Buffalo, St. Thomas began to grow as a city, with the market attracting tourists and residents alike. 

​Back then, grocery stores and supermarkets still needed to be developed into what we know now, leaving families to purchase foods, goods and services from different farmers and businesses within their town. While today you can pick up shoes, fruits and gifts at a single stop, back then, you would have to go to specialized businesses, each focused on one primary purpose or service. The market brought together the opportunity for customers to get all their goods in one central place. For many merchants of the early days, the market was their primary selling point for their products, making it vital to their business and income. 

Modern grocery stores soon emerged as the city began to develop into the 20th century, yet the market remained essential to the community. The market would bring many families success, encouraging agriculture during an era of modern development and downtown infrastructure. Even with the expansion of grocery stores and supermarkets, the market still brought in the same crowd of customers, eager to receive products of a quality and freshness chain grocers could never compete with, all the while knowing exactly where the revenue would go. 

The market declined in the 1980s. Resellers (vendors who source products from terminals, not fields) moved in and crowded out the farmers and producers. Many producers left, and the market dwindled- this is one of the primary reasons we strive to ensure the integrity of our producer-based market mandate. 

When the discussion of closing the market to save money sprung up in 1995, community members quickly assembled the Horton Market Association. Together, they succeeded in keeping the market running, with any plans of halting the weekly event cancelled in 1996. Since then, the market has continued to thrive, briefly closing in 2006 for pavilion renovations before triumphantly returning later that season with a reinforced mandate as a producer-based market, and in 2020 amid the pandemic, before reopening under the direction of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation in 2021.

From its first debut in a small town to becoming a weekly event in a city of over 42,000 residents, the Horton Farmers’ Market has proven a vital component of St. Thomas and the surrounding area, acting as a platform of opportunity, with a ticket towards success. 

    The market has done more for our local economy and community than what meets the eye. While the plentiful assortment of goods, services and produce offers something everyone can enjoy, the economic benefits are often overlooked. According to Farmers' Markets Ontario, sales within Ontario farmers' markets have increased 10 to 12 percent in the past decade, creating an economic impact of over $2.5 billion. Not only that, but the money from the markets directly benefits the farmers and vendors, who use it to grow crops, support their families, and purchase more from the local community. Farmers' Markets also create and sustain jobs! The Government of Ontario reported that in 2022, the Ontario agri-food sector supported over 861,000 jobs, that's over 20 times larger than the population of St Thomas! 

While large chain grocery stores and companies have a wide variety of produce, the farmers behind the crop often don't see most of the earnings. At a farmers' market, the farmer is directly paid by the clients, receiving payment in full and setting their prices to accommodate their time and effort. Vendors can also build connections directly with their clients and other vendors around them, which can lead to partnerships and collaborations to help support each other's work. Vendors can, in turn, witness for themselves public reception to their products, helping them decide which are fan favourites, and should be further promoted and produced, becoming staples of the market, much like the Fritter Shops delicious treats, Debackere Farms' classic Sweet Corn, and the beautiful bouquets of Harris Flower Farm.

​Hey there, meat lovers! Ever wondered what makes B&C Farms so unique? Well, let me tell you their story! It all started as a hobby with a few cattle for Ben and Carolin, but their love for these bovine buddies grew bigger than their pastures. People couldn't get enough of their incredible beef, and that's when they knew they had something special.

Their main objective? To provide their customers with mouthwatering, pasture-raised, grain-finished beef filled with love and care. They truly believe that happy cows make delicious meat, and oh boy, does it show in the flavour!

But wait, there's more! In the wild year of 2020, when everything went topsy-turvy, they faced a challenge. The beef cuts they needed were unavailable, so they put on their thinking caps and determined to build their own processing facility. Now, they can process their own beef, pork, lamb, and even seasonal deer. Talk about taking matters into their own hands!

Now, what sets them apart from the herd? B&C Farms is not your typical butcher shop. Nope, they raise and sell their very own beef! They source their steers directly from local farmers, ensuring no hormones sneak into your steaks. With a small and passionate team consisting of husband and wife duo Ben and Carolin, and Steve, the butcher with culinary superpowers, they make sure every cut is exceptional.

But that's not all! Their shop is brimming with goodies. From juicy burgers, London broils, and stuffed chicken breasts to shish kabobs and specialty sausages, they've got something for every craving. And if custom cuts are your thing, they'll happily cater to your steak thickness preferences too!

Meat isn't the only star at B&C Farms. They also offer locally sourced pork, including ground pork, bacon, chops, roast, ribs, and pork sausages. And let's not forget about their delectable range of chicken, from ground chicken to boneless breasts, thighs, wings, and whole chickens. Oh, and did I mention the smoked trout? Henk Den Besten's trout comes in six mouthwatering flavours, like maple, Dutch, Cajun, lemon pepper, and garlic pepper.
 
Throughout their journey, Ben and Carolin learned a thing or two. While advertising is excellent, the absolute best promotion comes from their incredible customers who can't help but spread the word about their phenomenal meats. Word of mouth is their secret ingredient! 

Now, let's talk about the Horton Farmers' Market, which they absolutely adore. It's got an incredible atmosphere where vendors support one another, creating strong connections among small businesses. Plus, they love that it's all about supporting local farmers and enjoying food and products made with utmost care. Their customers couldn't agree more! 

​Attention, shoppers! B&C Farms has something special in store for you this year. Thanks to some secret improvements, their burgers and specialty sausages are getting even better. Get ready to have your taste buds dancing with joy!

Now that we have dug deeper into the inner workings of this meaty paradise, it is about time you head down to the Horton Market this Saturday and experience the brilliance that B & C Farms has for you. See you there!

        The Horton Farmer’s Market is a special place for adults and children. All the full displays of vibrant colours, the sounds of voices and music, and the smells of baked goods and sweet fruits, a truly unique experiences in the eyes of a child. The Market provides a large assortment of vendors, fresh produce and gifts and an opportunity for a great family outing. 

     Children often become easily bored and fussy in ordinary grocery stores, aisles of cardboard boxes and plastic bags, with harsh lighting and long lines. You’ve seen it once; you’ve seen it all. Even I find myself bored and restless when grocery shopping as an adult! The Market, however, offers a brand new experience to youngsters- friendly vendors eager to share their products, room to explore indoors and outdoors, and often activities ` explicitly hosted for kids! A nearby tourism rack also provides many other events, sites and ideas throughout the summer to entertain the whole family. 

      The Market allows curious minds to ask questions and learn about the fresh fruits and vegetables they eat, grown locally, right from the farmers themselves. Encouraging healthy eating habits is a struggle for many parents. Still, by introducing children directly to the Market’s community and demonstrating the impact, children can understand the importance of locally grown produce. While none of the products contain flashy labels or mascots, these items are packed with essential nutrients. Take this time to teach your child the importance of supporting small, local businesses and how it benefits everyone. 

      The Market can also be used to learn about finances and build social skills. By offering your child the chance to purchase something, they will learn how to interact with others publicly, building social confidence and money-counting skills! Through learning the responsibility of money and its value, kids will cherish and understand the meaning of hard work, earnings and spending. 

      The fun and learning don’t stop after the Market closes! Try introducing your family to a new recipe using the fresh produce purchased. Kids love hands-on activities in which they play a role, making them feel important and part of a team. Having little ones help prepare meals can teach vital cooking lessons to encourage new hobbies and family traditions. 

     While school may be out for the summer, your kids have even more opportunities to learn through experiential learning right here in downtown St. Thomas, every Saturday from 8am to noon, growing our local economy and supporting small businesses and vendors! You may even make a market fan for life and find you have eager companion to attend the market with for years to come!

​Cardinal Creek Farm is entering its third year with the Horton Farmers' Market family! This small farm near Aylmer is doing some incredible things with regenerative and natural growing practices to bring the most nutrient-dense and flavourful veggies to their community. 

Anne and Lambert Cook may not have grown up farming, but they have a deep passion for it. Anne's grandparents were farmers, and her mother and grandmother both had impressive kitchen gardens, inspiring Anne to start her own garden as an adult. Anne says, "You never ever know as much as you think you know. There's always more to learn. So much so that you just have to laugh at it." This sentiment is evident in the dedication of Anne and Lambert Cook, who quickly fell in love with growing their own food and the abundance and connection it brought to them. 

After searching for their forever farm, they found their little piece of paradise on a 10-acre creek-lined horse farm. They set to work preparing the land, planting a family orchard, and starting their gardens without using large tractors. By not tilling, they could build fertile soil and produce healthy plants and incredibly nutritious food.

​And don't even get us started on their love of good quality, flavourful food! They offer prepared and frozen meals at local markets and in their store, sourcing ingredients locally and organically whenever possible. Some new plant-based meals will be coming this season starting in late June.

But let's talk about the veggies themselves. Cardinal Creek Farm grows varieties prioritizing flavour, ensuring every bite is fresh, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious. Some of their selection includes napa cabbage and potatoes are some of their beloved, fresh-grown ingredients, along with yellow cherry tomatoes, which are in season for summer! Some of Cardinal Creek Farms' favourite ways to use these products are in kimchi, tomato soup, and potato salad. They offer their produce through their Harvest Box Program, farm stand, and local markets, so there are plenty of ways to get your hands on their excellent food. Cardinal Creek Farm's love for its customers and connections made at Horton Farmers' Market is evident. They have a spring sale for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ending on May 26th and a seedling sale from May 13th to the end of the month. 

So there you have it, folks! Cardinal Creek Farm is a small but mighty force to be reckoned with in the local farming world. If you have yet to try their veggies, you're missing out on some seriously fantastic flavours. The Cardinal Creek Farm family can't wait to see you at the Horton Market! 

Mother's Day weekend can mean many things to many people, but around here, it means Opening Day! Our beloved Market has seen over 140 Mother's Days since opening in 1878, promising something enjoyable for all, creations, culinary, or crafts. This weekend, the Market returns for the summer season from 8 am to noon and provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate in various ways.

The Market is always a good idea if you want to make family memories this weekend. It's a bustling hub of delicious goodies and nutrient-dense local produce to build a menu together. Have some fun and get the kids involved! Maybe they would like to choose an item to help prepare or help mom choose the perfect sweet treat! The fresh focus this weekend is on rhubarb and asparagus in particular. These spring treats have a reasonably short season, so get them while you can source them locally!

Enjoy breakfast on one of our beautifully painted picnic tables and listen to live music - Nick Ewanick is back with the soundtrack to the Market this weekend! Forest Therapy Elgin is on hand with an incredible make-and-take for the kids to make something for mom too! And if the family is all together, why not take advantage of the opportunity for a new family photo with Benjamin Belanger Photography? Donations will be accepted with gratitude for Violence Against Women's Services Elgin.

Maybe mom's love language is gifts - we've got those too, from locally grown flowers to beautiful handmade soap, artisan goods, candles and more. You will find the perfect gift or accent to make her day a little brighter. 

If you want to extend your Saturday adventure, one of the best ways to spend an afternoon is by sticking your nose in a book. Located at 488 Talbot, Lockwood Books is hosting its Patio Tea Garden's Grand Opening. From noon to 5 pm, enjoy a beautiful display of foliage provided by Park Botanicals and Forest Therapy Elgin, with a large selection of various books to dive into. Are you looking to capture some memories with loved ones? Sign up the family for the Downtown Hunt - an app-based scavenger hunt ongoing over the next several months to support the discovery of Downtown St. Thomas during the construction.

With so many diverse events and locations, entertainment and enjoyment are available everywhere you look this Mother's Day Weekend. We wish you and your loved ones a safe weekend filled with new beginnings, spring, and continuing traditions. 

We look forward to meeting you at the Market!