Amherstburg Farmers Market opens for the 2023 season

Desjardins-Grondin said the Amherstburg Farmers Market hours have been altered this year and is now 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

“We’re on rain or shine until the end of October,” said Desjardins-Grondin.

Anyone interested in being a vendor can send a message through the market’s Facebook page or e-mail farmersmarketamherstburg@gmail.com.

“We’re also looking to highlight local businesses,” said Desjardins-Grondin.

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Farmers Market has opened for the 2023 season.

The market opened last Saturday at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co., the fourth year it has been at that location. While there were cool and damp conditions last Saturday, the event was mainly dry and allowed for customers to peruse and purchase produce and other items.

“We’re happy the rain held off,” said Jen Desjardins-Grondin, co-owner of G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. “It’s a nice, diverse line-up of vendors for opening day.”

There were approximately 20 vendors last Saturday, she added, with that number expected to grow in the coming weeks.

“Next week will be quite a few more,” Desjardins-Grondin predicted. “As we get into May, we’ll see more farmers with produce coming over.”

There are both full-time and parttime vendors that participate in the Amherstburg Farmers Market and Desjardins-Grondin said there is art, crafts and other food items that are included in that. There are usually a different variety of vendors from week-to-week, she added.

Live music is also featured with last Saturday’s entertainer being Gregg Steiner. Nat’s Wraps and Apps were also on hand last Saturday serving breakfast.

“We are family-friendly, pet friendly and, of course, the brewery opens at 9 a.m.,” she said.

The Amherstburg Farmers Market spent its first eight years at the “Little White Church” at County Road 20 and Howard Ave. before going to Toddy Jones Park for one year. They moved to G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. after that.

“We’re finding shoppers really enjoy the open air experience and are able to shop local,” she said. “I am very, very proud of the market as it is a strong community hub in Amherstburg.”

There is also a booth offered for charities, with the week one vendor being the Windsor Feminist Theatre.

Hope Bailey from Bouchard Gardens said this is the farm’s 50th year in business. She added they come to the Amherstburg Farmers Market regularly as well as travel to Windsor for an outdoor market there.

“We work so hard to get it ready and it’s nice to share it with other people,” Bailey said of the produce. “Sharing it with the community makes it worth it.”

Quinto Medaglia and his children

Abby and Lucas from the K9 Chew Shack in LaSalle made their first visit to the Amherstburg Farmers Market. Quinto said it was suggested to him they try Amherstburg.

“We’ve got a good turnout so far,” he said.

Nadine and Kimmy Sandrin from Emma’s Dog Treats come once per month to the market.

“It’s great. It’s a nice venue,” said Nadine. “They have a different variety of people. It’s very nice.”