Farmer’s Market re-opens in new home

Cutting the ribbon at the Simcoe Farmer’s Market grand opening are, from left, Steve Miedema, Simcoe Farmer’s Market president; Greg Boyd, past-president; Doug Miedema, past president; MPP Bobbi-Ann Brady; and Orrie Ecker, Harmony Pastry Shop, treasurer of the market association. 

Alex Hunt

Advocate Correspondent

Simcoe Farmer’s Market recently hosted a grand opening at its new location underneath the Grandstand at the Simcoe Fairgrounds with a full crowd and happy vendors.

Farmer’s Market president Steve Miedema, market board members, and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13 to celebrate the opening. The market was packed with customers and vendors who were getting used to the new space at 172 South Drive.

“We’ve got a lot of long-standing vendors and new ones too, but the market is also a community social gathering,” said Miedema. “People are getting the stuff they need, and you never know who you’re going to run into here. It’s great for newcomers to the county to discover what businesses are in their community.”

Due to the layout change, some customers were changing their routines to discover new vendors. Although the new space is fantastic, Miedema hopes they don’t have to move again.

Local vendor Sharon Pilch, owner of the Rustic Spoon, said she loves the new location. 

“It’s a great location, mostly because we finally have a washroom here,” said Pilch. “We used to have to walk quite a distance just to get to one. It makes such a difference in our day-to-day routine. I also really like the overall flow of the space; everything feels more connected and convenient. It’s just fantastic.”

Market vendor Cathy Ste. Croix, owner of Catchesoaps, said everything feels more connected in the new space. 

“I love this new building, it feels so homey and comfortable. I didn’t realize how much we needed the change until after we moved in,” said Ste. Croix. “People keep saying it seems bigger, but it’s really not; we’re just all a bit closer together now, more connected and enclosed in a way that makes it feel warm and welcoming.”

The market, which first opened at the fairgrounds in 1980, did a soft launch on Oct. 23 to gather customer and vendor feedback leading up to the November grand opening.