Written by: Abdul-Ghani Khan
Edited by: Nicole Majewski
Designed by: Suhana Shaik
Published by: Andrew Jackson
In a world where “buying local” is becoming more and more valued, there is no better place to buy your groceries than a local farmers market. Take a short drive north from Waterloo, and you’ll find St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, a farmers market that combines fresh produce, artisanal goods, and Mennonite culture into one vibrant destination. With attracting nearly 1 million tourists every year, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market stands as the largest year‑round farmers’ market in Canada!
A Bite Into Its History:
- 1952: The Stockyard Farmers’ Market began in Kitchener.
- 1975: The Kitchener and Waterloo stockyards merged, establishing the market in its current location on Mennonite land.
- 1987: The two-level Farmers’ Market Building was constructed.
- 1991: The market was renamed St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market, and a Tuesday market was added.
- 2013: On September 2nd, a fire destroyed the main two-level market building. In mid-October, a temporary structure was built, and the market was quickly reopened.
- 2015: A new permanent structure was completed to replace the destroyed building.
- Present: St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market continues to be a vibrant destination, attracting nearly 1 million annual visitors.
More Than Just A Farmers’ Market
When you think about the term“farmers’ market”, you may think about vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. However, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is no ordinary farmers’ market. Alongside fresh fruits and vegetables, you can find vendors selling other food items, such as cheeses, meats, drinks, desserts, grilled delicacies and more. On top of that, you can purchase a variety of artisan products such as pottery, crochet products, paintings, wood products, jewelry, and a large selection of retail products as well. No matter what you enjoy, there is always something for everyone at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market!
Tips For Visiting:
- Arrive Early – Arrive early to beat the crowds and find the best selection of produce and goods.
- Bring Some Cash – Although some vendors will accept debit/credit cards, many prefer you pay in cash.
- Respect Mennonite Customs – Avoid taking photos of horse-drawn carriages and other Mennonite belongings without permission,
- Explore! – Aside from the market itself, there are a variety of attractions near the area that are worth exploring, such as the St. Jacobs’s Outlet Mall.
Sources:
- https://www.stjacobsmarket.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Jacobs_Farmers%27_Market
- https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/attractions/st-jacobs-market-district
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