Something special happens in a rural community as the days get longer and the grass gets greener.

One of the benefits of living in a beautiful rural community like our very own is the local farmers’ markets. Here both locals and visitors are welcome to experience a large selection of what our lovely little town offers.

“I sell candles. They are eco-friendly and one hundred percent soy, one hundred percent cotton-wick candles,” explained Leah Byford, a two-time vendor. “All the fragrances reflect different parts of the County. Each candle is named after a different area.”

Leah Byford. (Anna Suz for the Gazette)

Back in February, the Picton Farmers’ Market announced they were growing bigger and better after the County Council offered 20 additional spaces for vendors.

There is now room for Dave Ullrich, owner of Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, a first-time vendor at the Picton Market. Ullrich’s lemonade can also be purchased at Vickie’s Veggies, 81 Morrison Point Rd in Black Creek.

“When it started, we were under 30 vendors, but now the market has grown up to a full 50 vendors,” said Ryan Saunders, a long-time vendor and owner of Stone Temple Coffee. “It’s at maximum capacity right now.”

Stone Temple Coffee is located on the outskirts of Cherry Valley on County Rd 18, near East Lake. Saunders has been preparing iced coffee at his stand for five years and has been with the Picton Market since it opened three years ago.

“The market has been great P.R. to help drive customers to our brick and mortar and let people know where they can find our products,” explained Mr. Saunders.

Another local vendor that has been able to display their work thanks to the additional space is Mercedes Crowe, owner and creator of Mercedes Ceramics.

“I just started this year. I’ve been at the Picton Farmers Market and the Wellington Farmers Market every weekend since May,” explained Ms. Crowe.

“There are 50 small local businesses here that rely on this extra income through the week,” added Mr. Saunders.

The Picton Farmers Market is an incredible place for vendors to network and sell local products and crafts. However, that’s not all it is. The Market is a place where everyone in the community has a chance to come together every Sunday from May 15 to October 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and celebrate their community.

“It’s nice to be out in the community. I like talking with my customers and getting feedback and just hearing what they think about the product,” added Ms. Byford. “It’s a nice way to spend your Sunday.”

Please feel free to come check out our lovely community Farmer’s Market at Picton Town Hall any Sunday until October 29th.