Dunnville Farmer's Market

This market is part of historical Dunnville, the earliest one established in 1894 near Price's Hotel, where the Royal stands today. Farmers travelled there by horse and wagon to sell their wares every Tuesday and Saturday. There was a horse barn next to the hotel to stable and feed horses belonging to overnight guests or farmers who were in town for the day.

In the 1890s Massey Harris had their headquarters beside the market and each year would have a parade of machinery where farmers would come to buy equipment.

Farmers sold what they could, enjoyed dinner at the hotel and then spent some time shopping. Local businesses stayed open as late as 10:00 PM on Saturday nights to accommodate the visitors. After which the sidewalks rolled up, town vendors closed their shops and the farmers headed for home with their purchase laden buggies and wagons.

Farmers used the market free of charge during the early years of its existence. In exchange, they provided certain improvements.In 1915 farmers met with Dunnville Mayor W.R. Jackson to discuss plans to haul gravel to upgrade the market grounds that were located where the Brewers Retail resides today. Farmers donated their labour, the town donated the gravel, livery owner George Hall provided free stabling for the teams, and the hotel offered free dinners for the hardworking farmers.

Over the years, the market square has sported an auctioneer, as well as animal pets, live chickens, little piglets and fresh butter.

The market moved around and eventually came to rest at its present location, where hydro has been installed along with a new paved and canopied promenade on the leeside of the Dunnville arena.

In such a small town many of the vendors are friends or relatives of prospective customers. There is always an exchange between the two on the latest news concerning family events or discussion with regard to the local and national politics and sports.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, rain or shine, vendors are continuing to sell homegrown fresh vegetables and fruits in season, jams, eggs, meats, honeys, craft items and a myriad of other useful household and gift items.

Visitors are encouraged to come out, buy fresh locally produced goods, support the local farming community and enjoy the camaraderie one can only experience at a neighbourhood farm market.

Enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, baked goods, farm fresh brown eggs, honey, candles, bees wax, bedding plants, fresh flowers and artificial floral arrangements, apple cider, maple syrup, Watkins, Rawleighs and Fuller Brush Products, leather goods, some organic produce and much more.

The market is located beside the Arena (218 Main Street East) and operates Tuesdays and Saturdays 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM from March until the end of December.