Simcoe Farmers’ Market launches in its new location

The Simcoe Farmer’s Market new location under the grandstand.

Alex Hunt 

​Advocate Correspondent

The Simcoe Farmers’ Market is gathering customer and vendor feedback in preparation for its Nov. 13 relocation grand opening.

​Since 1980, the Simcoe Farmers’ Market has operated in the Homecraft building at the Norfolk fairgrounds. The Market recently moved under the Grandstand after a decision was made by the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, which saw a community need to accommodate a banquet hall in its former location.  

​“This is a fresh and exciting new venture for the farmers' market, and the community came out in great numbers,” said Steve Miedema, president of the Simcoe Farmers’ Market. “Customers described the new space as homier and cozier, so the feedback was positive. We wanted to have a few weeks for a soft opening to make sure all the kinks were worked out.”

​Miedema said that the new space has a similar layout to the previous setting, with customers that are changing their old routine and noticing new vendors. Miedema added that the transition was supported by the fairgrounds, which added ease to the move.

​Vendors were pleased with the Oct. 23 soft launch turnout. Miedema said that staff are working with vendors to make minor tweaks to ensure a smooth grand opening. 

​“With this new space, we can tap into a larger outdoor market and bring things like food trucks in because we have water and hydro hookups out there now,” said Miedema. “It allows us to have different opportunities outside as opposed to just produce stands and crafts.”

​The market will still operate every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miedema said it’s challenging to open a Saturday market because vendors are selling their wares in other communities. He explained that having a market on Thursday makes it less convenient for the working person to attend.  

“We thought about doing an online market where people can pre-order and have pickups. We toyed with the idea during the pandemic, but it phased out because people were done with online shopping once the safety regulations stopped,” said Miedema. “We need to figure something out that’s going to balance both vendors and customers' needs.”Miedema said that the conversation will reopen in the spring once the Christmas season settles. 

​“We’re proud to keep serving the community, and it’s rewarding to welcome both newcomers and returning customers,” said Miedema. “As the market continues to grow in the new home, we continue to look forward to supporting local vendors each week.”