The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market opens its third season this weekend with over 25 local vendors celebrating the best of Windsor and Essex County with fresh, local produce, area artisans and entrepreneurs, baked goods and prepared foods, and live entertainment.

The market’s grand opening on June 11^th starts at 8am and will include draws, live entertainment and more. 

Market goers will be happy to see many familiar faces with returning vendors like Dockside Fisheries, Hylander Farms (beef) The Fruit Wagon, Our Farm Organics, Nana’s Bakery, Specialty Bakery, Perry Noia the Clown and others.  New additions this year include Mimi’s Fruits & Vegetables, The Dutch House Country Market, Terre-Tremblay Farm and other unique entrepreneurs.

The market’s focus is fresh, local and seasonal and organizers hope that the community will use the space as a gathering place. Neighbouring business, Maroun Brothers (39 Chatham Street East) is a big supporter of the market and uses many local ingredients on their menu. For 2011, Maroun’s will open at 8am to serve breakfast to market goers. 

“The market brings vitality to the core every week. It’s wonderful to see farmers, cyclists, entertainers, families, and others reconnecting each week,” says market chair, Natalie Bownes. Bownes also feels that having the grower on hand is a great incentive for shoppers,”Meeting the person who produced your food is an amazing opportunity to learn more.”

Events are planned throughout the season and the second Saturday of each month is always a special event day:

·         June 11 – Opening Day

·         July 9 – Love Your City

·         August 13 – Healthy Lifestyles Day

·         September 10 – Pets on Parade

·         October 8 – Closing Day Celebration

The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market looks forward to seeing more citizens making the destination part of their Saturday morning routine this season.