The Aurora Farmers' Market & Artisan Fair is committed to being a fun destination for everyone in the family…and everyone in the community, too.
“Our focus is on creating a ‘must visit’ market, full of culture and opportunities for small businesses to thrive and the community to enjoy,” said market board member Anne Waters. “We also provide event programming weekly from the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in October, rain or shine!” she added.
The 22-year-old market has 45 regular vendors each week, as well as space for non-profit community groups, weekly entertainment, a kids’ craft corner, and special events each month. “We are a regulated Farmers’ Market,” said Waters. “We offer seasonal, Ontario grown, Ontario sourced, fruit and vegetables. 70% of the merchandise being offered for sale is from our vendor farms, and artisan products are produced by the vendor.”
Kids’ crafts and entertainment change each week and are posted on the market's Facebook page for everyone to see. Special events are also announced there. “Kids beg their parents to come to our market,” said Waters.
“They can make a different craft, like pipe cleaner snakes, bracelets, necklaces, each week, and we are located right in Aurora Town Park, where there is also a ball diamond, splash pad and a children’s playground, as well as lots of lovely trees. It’s the perfect spot.”
July 27 is the market’s Customer Appreciation Day. “Canadian country music star Marshall Dane will be performing that day,” said Waters. “There will also be raffles with prizes, and a lot of our vendors will have special pricing, to say thank you to our customers.”
August 24 is the market’s Community Corn Roast. Corn will be roasted by Mayor Tom Mrakas and town councillors, a chance for them to mingle with constituents in a fun and welcoming environment. All proceeds from the Corn Roast support the Aurora Food Pantry.
September 14 is the start of the Stuff the Truck Event which runs over three weekends and donations are delivered to the Aurora Food Pantry.
“Our vision is to offer to the community, fresh, local, farm produce, fresh prepared foods, meals, handmade crafts, and artistic offerings,” said Waters. “We aim to make the market experience a happy family adventure for everyone. Our motto is ‘Where Food, Art and Community Meet’. And we hope to meet everyone there!”
The Aurora Farmers' Market & Artisan Fair runs every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting in May and running until Hallowe’en.
Don’t miss the costumed children and dog parades on the last market day on October 26. The market is located in the Aurora Town Park.
