Guelph Farmers' Market facts for kids
The Guelph Farmers' Market is a lively place in downtown Guelph, Canada. It has been an important part of the city since 1827. For over 180 years, it has been a popular spot for people living in Guelph and visitors too. Many people visit on Saturday mornings.
The market's motto is "Buy Local - Buy Fresh." This means they encourage people to buy food and products made close to home. This idea is becoming very popular around the world.
The Farmers' Market has one main building and a large outdoor area. In winter, about 60 different sellers, called vendors, set up their shops. In summer and fall, this number grows to over 120 vendors! You can find many things there, like fresh fruits and vegetables, tasty baked goods, handmade crafts, and even art from local artists. The market also hosts special events for charities.
Today, the market is located at the corner of Gordon Street and Waterloo Avenue. This spot used to be a barn for show horses. The market moved here in 1968.
History of Guelph's Market
The very first Market House was built in 1827. It was created by the Canada Company. John Galt, who was in charge of the company in Canada, wanted Guelph to be a major farming center in Ontario.
A story says that Galt chose the market's first location by spreading his fingers on a tree stump. He said the new town's streets would spread out like his fingers. The first market building was simple, with open sides and a basic roof. The new market area also helped the Canada Company. It made the land around it more valuable, which John Galt had wisely bought beforehand.
In 1857, a new, stronger stone building was constructed. This happened after five years of discussions between merchants, farmers, and town leaders. This new building was called the Market House/Town Hall. It was big enough for the growing market, city offices, and even the local fire and police services. The Farmers' Market stayed in this building until 1968.
In 1968, the market moved to the Show Horse Barn. This barn was built in 1911 for a big farming event called the Provincial Winter Fair. The old Market House/Town Hall was then rebuilt and became the Guelph City Hall. The Farmers' Market has been at its current location ever since.
Market Location Timeline
- 1827 – John Galt starts building the first Market House.
- 1857 – A larger Market House/Town Hall is built. Part of this new building is used by the town council, fire department, and police.
- 1874 – A second floor concert hall is added to the Market House. The main floor still holds the market.
- 1902 – Another addition is built on the Wilson Street side. This part is for cattle, a lecture room, and a poultry area.
- 1911 – The Show Horse Barn is built. This barn is part of the Provincial Winter Fair, which started in Guelph in 1889.
- 1939 – Buildings used for the Provincial Winter Fair are taken over by the military. Soldiers use them for housing and training.
- 1968 – The Provincial Winter Fair moves to Toronto. The Show Horse Barn becomes the new home of the Farmers' Market. The old Market House is rebuilt to become City Hall.
