Ingersoll’s Kiwanis Harvest Market Brings in Hundreds

Local Strawberries for sale from Turner’s Farmers Market. (Kyrah Smith photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

Saturday, Aug. 23, was a busy day in Ingersoll, with parking spots hard to come by as the beloved Kiwanis Harvest Market returned in full swing. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the market stretched from the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum, through Centennial Park, and all the way to the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre (ICAC).

“This is the biggest turnout we’ve had,” said Donna Schurman of Deep Purple Lavender Farm. “It’s the craziest it’s ever been.”

Schurman, a vendor for the past three years, noted how the market has grown. This year even included an entirely new vendor lane to accommodate the increase in sellers. With over 80 local vendors from across Oxford County, there was something for everyone: from handmade crafts and wood-burned art to handpicked flowers and ethically sourced honey. Shoppers strolled through the market, enjoying a wide variety of unique and locally made items. Live music from local performers added a lively soundtrack to the day, and food options were abundant. Visitors could grab a bite from Beans and Brews, Brannigan’s Fish & Chips, Poppin’ Kettle Corn, Camp Coffee, PB’s French Fries, a community barbecue, and more. The event was especially family-friendly. Kids lined up for the bouncy houses, face painting, and balloon animals, while parents also enjoyed a car show hosted by the Ingersoll Masons and activities at the ICAC’s Artisan Market.

The Cheese Museum opened its doors for the day, offering guests a chance to explore Ingersoll’s history while enjoying the festivities. Even Mayor Brian Petrie got involved, hosting an “Ask the Mayor a Question” booth, an opportunity many residents took full advantage of. As the day wound down, the energy stayed high, with guests still milling about, shopping, and enjoying the community atmosphere. If you’re interested in future events hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll, you can follow them on Facebook.