St. Marys Farmers’ Market debuts its first calendar fundraiser

Ann Slater, board chair for the St. Marys Farmers’ Market, holding the 2026 Farmers’ Market Calendars.

By Alex Hunt

The St. Marys Farmers’ Market has launched its 2026 calendar, a fundraiser aimed at supporting the market and providing vendor recipes for anyone who wishes to replicate local flavours.

The combined efforts of market board members, vendors and a local photographer Andrea Macko culminated in a recipe-filled calendar currently available for purchase by contacting the market via social media, at which point payment will be arranged.

Calendars cost $20 each and will also be available for purchase at the next market sale held at the Pyramid Recreation Centre on Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are currently 100 available. 

“This was a very collaborative process between the board members and vendors submitting recipes,” said board chair Ann Slater. “We have just returned to fundraising after a hiatus of a couple of years. “The more funds we raise from this initiative, we will be able to keep stall fees down for new vendors.”

Some recipe contributions to the calendar include an October salad provided by Ann Slater; chocolate-covered energy balls provided by Bopa’s Bees; and dandelion cookies provided by Ingrid Vanderschot. 

Slater said board members will evaluate the success of the fundraiser to determine if it will run annually. 

“I want to try the maple chocolate chip squares. All the recipes just look so delicious,” said Slater. “We have a great market board. People bring different skills and that’s fun to work with. We have been planning this project for years, which combines everyone’s field of interests.”

The market held a soft calendar launch on Nov. 1 and the calendar officially made its debut on Nov. 8.

Slater said positive feedback was received on the calendar’s cover design, which was formatted from a painting that was purchased by the market at last year’s Stonetown Arts Show and Sale. 

“The cover of the calendar captures the market’s artistic essence, with vibrant colours that showcase the vendors, customers and people coming together,” said Slater. “This is what the market strives for; it brings the rural and the urban together.”

Slater hopes to see more produce from farm vendors contributing to the market’s future. With high-quality products already being offered at every sale, Slater said additional local farm support would be a valuable contribution.