Kitchener Farmer's Market facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kitchener Farmer's Market |
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 Entrance of current Kitchener Farmer's Market |
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| Market name: | Kitchener Farmer's Market |
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| Location: | Kitchener Market, 300 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario |
| Opening date: | 1869 |
The Kitchener Farmer's Market is one of the oldest markets in Canada. It has been open continuously for a very long time! This market is located in Kitchener, Ontario. It shows the strong connection between Kitchener and local farmers. Many vendors are from the Mennonite community. They often sell delicious meats and baked goods.
The market is open every Saturday, all year long. More than 80 farmers and sellers are there! You can find fresh fruits and veggies, meats, cheese, eggs, and fish. They also sell honey, prepared foods, breads, and pastries. Special items like chocolate and Middle Eastern foods are available too. You can even find non-food items like flowers and handmade gifts. The artisan sellers often change each week.
Market History
The Kitchener Farmer's Market started way back in 1839. It was a local market selling farm goods from the area. A leader named Jacob Y. Shantz (1822-1909) helped make it a permanent market. This happened in 1869.
The market stayed in the same spot for many years. This area was near Frederick, King, Scott, and Duke Streets. Over time, three different buildings were used for the market:
- 1869 – The Farmer's Market was inside the Berlin Town Hall. This part was along Duke Street.
- 1872 – A new, long building was built for the Farmer's Market. It was behind the Berlin Town Hall.
- 1907 – The Farmer's Market building was rebuilt for the third time. It was a two-story building. It faced Scott Street, next to the 1924 Kitchener City Hall.
In 1971, the city decided to tear down the market building. The second City Hall was also removed. Because of this, the market moved in 1973. It was relocated inside what is now Market Square Shopping Centre.
In 2004, the Farmer's Market moved again. It went to a bigger place at 300 King Street East. This new spot is between Cedar and Eby Streets. There is free parking in the basement of the building. A traffic officer often helps direct cars on Saturdays. During spring, summer, and fall, many produce sellers set up outside. They sell their goods in the covered parking area off Eby Street.
For over 140 years, the market has been a popular spot. Both local people and visitors love to come here.
The Market Today
Since moving in 2004, the market has grown. It now has more food businesses. It is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays. You can find international food sellers on the second floor. This area has a busy food court. Shoppers can eat lunch, drink coffee, or relax there. There are also sitting areas on the main floor. During warmer months, you can sit at tables outside.
The market is busiest on Saturdays. The farmers' market runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Saturdays, you might hear musicians playing. They often play at both ends of the market building. All parts of the market are easy to access. Wheelchair users and families with strollers can use the elevator. It connects the parking garage to the first and second floors.
The upper level of the market can be rented. People use it for birthday parties, weddings, and meetings. It's also used for exhibitions and cooking classes. This area has a full commercial kitchen. Catering can also be arranged if needed.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some things changed. Regular classes and events were cancelled or moved online. The market also started a special shopping hour for seniors. This is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
