The holidays are bustling at the Barrie’s Farmers’ Market this year.
About 50 vendors attend weekly to sell their wares, and with more shoppers looking for gift ideas that go beyond the mall, the demand for artisan items is on the rise.
“At the Barrie Farmers’ Market, when people are shopping with a vendor, they make all of that themselves, they bake that food themselves, they are making those products themselves," market manager Patricia Lancia told BarrieToday. "When someone shops (here), they are literally supporting the vendor that is in front of them."
All of that money is staying in the local community, she says.
“When it comes to the prepared foods and the artisan products, you’re getting something that’s truly unique in terms of giving a gift or something special. You’re definitely more likely to find that here,” Lancia added.
Throughout December, customers can earn ballots by shopping at the market, which are then entered into a draw for a gift basket. The baskets contain items from nearly every vendor at the market and well as gift cards and vouchers, and have an estimated value of $400 each.
“The more vendors they shop with, the more ballots they get. We do a new draw every single week,” said Lancia.
On Dec. 21, the market holds its Christmas Party. There will be free treats for attendees, a holiday craft for kids and The MacFadden Family quartette will perform.
“Generally speaking, there will be a really festive atmosphere,” said Lancia.
For more information on the Barrie Farmers’ Market, click here.
