Sunshine, blue skies, and an amazing mixture of vendors meant that there was a large crowd on hand for the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market as it opened it’s 32nd season. Tinkess Photo

METCALFE – For the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market, as with any activity that is held at least in part outdoors, the weather can be a deciding factor on whether an event is financially successful or not. For that reason, there were a lot of people who were extremely happy to see the sun shining  on Sat., May 10 when the Market kicked off its 32nd season.

The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market has won the 2025 Ottawa awards for the best Farmers Market for the fifth year in a row, which gives some indication of the quality of both the vendors and the experience that their customers enjoy when they visit. The market runs on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. but they also have two night markets, June 19th and September 4, which run from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The official ribbon cutting for the 2025 Market season was completed by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Carleton MPP George Darouz.

Reann Slater is the manager of the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market, explained that she was very happy with the opening day, from the return of former customers and the addition of new ones, to the close to 50 booths and activities available, and the range of products and services offered by the vendors.

“It was packed. We had 50 plus local producers – ranging from fresh vegetables to fresh fruits to seedlings to crafters to prepared food. We’re super excited to start up our season this year,” said Slater.

The market is a producer-based market, which means the products are made, grown or created by the respective vendors. The Market features farm fresh produce, baking, furniture, honey, meats, preserves, locally roasted coffee, locally blended loose-leaf tea, wood crafts, clothing, takeaway food, jewellery, artisan work, wines, beers, spirits, home décor and so much more.

Karen McGuin, who along with her life and business partner Darren are well known throughout eastern Ontario for their line of Birdie Blocks, high quality bird seed products. They have succeeded in building a brand that people know and will take the time to seek out.

She was very happy not only with the sunny skies, but with the turnout in general.

“It would not have been nice,” said McGuin. “They were calling for rain up until about nine o’clock, so we would have been wet setting up, and then, you know, we would have all looked like drowned rats. This is wonderful.”

Safe to say, whatever you’re looking for, there’s probably a pretty good chance of finding it at the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market (or at least something that will make you forget what you were looking for in the first place. It is very difficult, for example, to walk by Meemaw’s Specialty Cheesecakes without stopping.)

You could also enjoy fresh brewed coffee from Poppa Bean (the vendor of the week) or tea from DiversiTea at our Sunflower Café along with pastries and foods from any of the other vendors.

In addition, there is frequently live music and other entertainment. Spencer Scharf provided the music this week, while Dr. Kaboom kept the young, and young at heart entertained.

The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market is located at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe.