​Since 1878, the Horton Farmers’ Market has been an integral piece of our local culture.
It is a is a best-in-class market destination that promotes civic pride, shapes local culture and supports the regional economy by providing access to high quality food producers, craftspeople and artisans. Each season, the market strives to source all our vendors and products from within a 60km radius of the market, ensuring our community has access to the very best fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheese, and hand-crafted items our region has to offer.”
In 2021, the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation took on the management of the Horton Market with the following objectives in the first year:

• Under the supervision of the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) and the overall direction of the St. Thomas EDC, utilize the full marketing breadth of the organization, through SBEC and Railway City Tourism, to continue to promote and grow the market
• Create a full-time, year-round Business Advisor Role that would oversee the Horton Market and provide vendors support to assist with business growth and expansion
• Add outdoor seating with sun protection and weekly live music
• Utilize the Horton Market space to further stimulate entrepreneurial activity

 
How did we do in our first year?

• In comparison to pre-pandemic years, vendors saw a sales revenue increase of 24% during regular market weeks and a sales revenue increase of 78% at the Horton Farmers Christmas Market
• Organic Facebook reach increased by 51% and Instagram reach increased by 1,626%
• Vendors were able to access additional marketing and business support through the dedicated Rural Business Advisor
• Outdoor seating capacity increased from 26 seats to 66 seats
• Hosted our first “Horton Market After Dark” featuring local food and beverage providers

Thinking of becoming a vendor at the Horton Market in 2022? Maximizing earning potential is one of the many reasons to be a vendor. Here are other great benefits:

• The Horton Market is FUN! You become part of a community of like-minded farmers and get to know consumers who are interested in you and what you do
• You help educate consumers about what farmers do, and make them appreciate the contributions they make—not only to their dinner table but to the environment, as well
• Free market research for improving or expanding your product line as you are constantly learning what people want to buy
• You sell what you grow – however little that may be. This is great for new producers and/or producers in the process of converting to organic crops and/or small-scale producers who can’t meet supermarket minimum orders

With so many vibrant producers in St. Thomas and Elgin County, we are excited about the possibilities in 2022!
​If you are interested in learning more about the Horton Farmer’s Market contact manager@hortonfarmersmarket.ca or call 226-377-0064.