Gananoque Farmers’ Market Shines During Farmers’ Market Week
- Tanya Hammond | Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | Review-Mirror
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Farmers’ Market Week (Aug. 2 to 9) was in full swing across Ontario, and in Gananoque, the celebration was especially vibrant. The Gananoque Farmers’ Market, already a beloved weekly gathering spot at Town Hall Square (30 King St. E.) for fresh produce, handmade goods and local artisans, came alive with live entertainment, kids’ activities and community spirit as residents and visitors stopped by to support local growers and makers. With peak-season produce and the charm of a waterfront town, the market offers a perfect snapshot of what Farmers’ Market Week is all about: fresh food and the joy of connecting with the people who grow and craft the things we love.
The energy in Town Hall Square showed exactly why the Gananoque Farmers’ Market has become such a cherished weekly tradition. Now in its second year under Town of Gananoque operation, the market runs every Thursday evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June to October, offering residents and visitors a chance to shop local while enjoying the beauty of the downtown core.
Market Lead McKenna Modler (tourismcommunications@gananoque.ca), whose agricultural roots make farm-market organization second nature, has helped shape the market into a lively, community-focused event. By following the Town of Gananoque Facebook page, visitors can preview each week’s vendor lineup and entertainment schedule, making it easy to plan their visit.
Among the most popular weekly regulars are Mensen Farm of Delta, who have attended the Gananoque market for more than a decade, long before the Town took over from previous organizers who ran the market admirably. On Aug. 6, visitors lined up for their fresh sweet corn, blueberries, raspberries and other peak-season favourites from Josh Mensen and his mother Susie.
Across the square, newcomers Paul and Diane Gordon of Golden Creek Horticulture (goldencreekhorticulture.ca) fit seamlessly into the market community. Farming since 2020, the couple brought organically grown vegetables, specialty lettuce mixes, sprouts, colourful beets and more to their first season in Gananoque.
Marks Mushrooms added to the produce offerings with an assortment of exotic culinary mushrooms, backed by 15 years of mushroom-growing expertise. Nearby, husband-and-wife team Jeff and Suzanne of Kingston Community Farm delighted shoppers with baked goods made from their organic spelt flour, including spelt bread, sourdough, desserts and more, sweetened with maple syrup harvested right on their farm. This season marks their second year as regular vendors.
First-year vendor Tanya Lemcke of Satori Farms in Portland introduced shoppers to her farm-to-skin products made with grass-fed tallow, a formula she spent two years perfecting. Her natural, chemical-free skincare line is safe for women, men, children and even babies. Tanya’s commitment to honouring the animals raised on her farm shines through in every product. Followers of Satori Farms on Facebook get an authentic glimpse into daily farm life as Tanya “keeps it real.”
Another skincare-focused vendor, Meadow and Moon Skincare, continued the theme of safe, natural self-care. Meanwhile, talented woodturner David Robinson of Beauty Within Wood Creations displayed handcrafted bowls, each with its own story of origin. Now retired, David has turned his hobby into a thriving business and even accepts custom work, including a recent commission using wood salvaged from an 1890s boathouse dock.
Gananoque resident and retired rehab nurse Lisa Pope, now running Asiledesign, brought handmade beaded jewelry and bookmarks that sparkled in the sun. Her passion for helping others was evident as she spoke about her newly published book, available for purchase at her booth, which encourages readers to embrace self-love and reminds them that “you experience what you believe.”
Adding colour and fragrance to the market, Jill of Mud Creek Flower Collection in Joyceville offered stunning bouquets grown “from seed to centrepiece.” Though this is her first year selling flowers, Jill has spent the past decade growing blooms for her own enjoyment and now shares them proudly with the community.
Organizer McKenna Modler notes that the market’s location, nestled among downtown shops, steps from the beach and framed by the charm of Town Square, creates an ideal setting for a weekly Farmers’ Market. With support from the Town’s summer students at the Visitor Centre, the market experience is elevated by a Kids’ Corner featuring crafts and giant yard games, live music such as entertainer Lukas Oak (who performed Aug. 6), and thoughtful touches like a Reusable Bag Station for shoppers who may have forgotten their own bags.
Shoppers can also take advantage of the Market Rewards Program, accessible by scanning a QR code or visiting www.gananoque.ca/market-purchase-tracker, earning entries toward the weekly Market Gift Basket Draw. With its growing popularity and diverse vendor mix, the Gananoque Farmers’ Market continues to shine, especially during Farmers’ Market Week, and promises even more excitement as the season continues.
Josh (right) of Mensen Farm in Rideau Lakes serving customer Tess (left), who is visiting Gananoque Tanya Lemcke of Satori Farms in Portland showcasing her grass-fed tallow skincare products at Gan Fa Paul and Diane Gordon of Golden Creek Horticulture with their display of fresh veggies. Photo credit Young Maura having some fun at the Kids’ Corner while visiting Gananoque from Pennsylvania with her Entertainer Lukas Oak providing some great entertainment for folks visiting the Gananoque Farmers’ M Colourful snapshot at the market with convenient seating and vibrant flower gardens to enjoy. Photo
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