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“The best part is that I’m not a cook by
Other farmers’ markets at a glance: nature, but I’m learning so much about
• The Preston Towne Farmers' Market is an food from all of my customers every week.”
outdoor market open every Wednesday
from June 18 to September 24, from 9 In terms of customers, the Cambridge
a.m. to 2 p.m. in Central Park. It offers Farmers’ Market sees approximately 35,000
three artisan markets held on the third visitors annually making it an important
Saturday of each month in July, August, part of the city’s downtown core.
and September. “The market is a cornerstone of activity and
• The Hespeler Village Market offers a connection to historic Galt, and Downtown
diverse mix of local food, artisan crafts Cambridge,” says Brian Kennedy, executive
and information booths for charities,
not-for-profits, and community groups. director of the Downtown Cambridge
It operates every Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 Business Improvement Area. “Its long-
p.m. from June 6 to September 26. standing presence draws many visitors each
week, providing a reliable source of foot
“We tried different markets from day traffic that directly benefits surrounding
one, but the variety and quality here small businesses.”
keeps bringing people back,” says Peter He says the ‘synergy’ between the market
VanBrugge of Scotview Orchards, who has and the summer pedestrian transformation
been offering an array of fresh fruits and of nearby Main Street benefits the
flowers at the CFM since 1984. “If you have downtown.
good stuff and quality products, people do “From family-friendly events to live music
come back.” and open-air markets, these experiences
He is often joined by his grandson, Adam, complement the farmers’ market and
and says developing relationships has encourage visitors to stay longer and
been the key to his continued success. explore all that downtown has to offer,
“You can’t be shy and have to be a people fueling both economic and community
person,” says Peter. “I know a lot of people vibrancy,” says Brian.
here now.” On a regional level, Michele Saran, CEO of
Brian Burke of Burke Brothers Farm agrees Explore Waterloo Region, says attractions
and says the variety of available goods is a like the Cambridge Farmers’ Market, are
major draw. great for the local economy.
“It’s a good little market,” he says, “Agri-tourism has become exceptionally
noting he’s been a vendor for popular, and Waterloo Region is well-
nearly 30 years. “People come here poised to take advantage of the trend with
thinking it’s like St. Jacobs Farmers’ Farm Gate stands, Farm-to-Fork dining
Market but it’s not at all. The people experiences and of course our wonderful
farmers’ market,” she says. “Over 90% of
coming here are shopping for their our visitors to Waterloo Region come from
groceries.” the GTA. A big part of the appeal of our area
Across the lot from Burke Brothers, first- is our ‘cities on the edge of nature’ and the
year vendor Walter Overbeek of Floral ability to get the wonderful, fresh produce
Express, who sells fresh flowers and plants, from our local farms.”
credits the clientele for making the market However, for Cambridge residents Jessie
a great place to conduct business. and Adam Dishy, who moved here three
“I find the customers in Cambridge to be years ago from Toronto, the market has
very loyal,” he says, in between customers become a great place to embrace the
searching for just the right floral pick. “It’s community.
very social here and that’s what I enjoy.” “We get to meet a lot of other families
Inside the market building Batch x Batch and people here,” says Jessie, who also
owner Amber Lynn, another new vendor, appreciates the fresh goods available.
marvels at how welcoming visitors have Adam agrees.
been. “The market gives us a great excuse to
“I’ve made such amazing relationships with check out what other things are going on
people,” she says, standing next to the downtown,” he says. “That’s why we love
pushcart that displays an assortment of living so close to the downtown.” Visit www.
her healthy seasonings. cambridgefarmersmarket.ca for more.

www.cambridgechamber.com Summer 2025 13