It was sometime around the 1600s that the first farmers’ market arrived in North America. At the time they were primarily a way for urban residents to access products from far off farms. They were a major economic driver and important gathering places. Not much has changed. Markets still are found in urban areas bringing goods to people who would not otherwise access them and they remain popular meeting places. However, now with markets all over the Nova Scotia, people will travel great distances to find specific suppliers. Each episode takes you to a market and meets producers at their farms, workshops, and studios to see how they prepare their wares for the market before following up as they work to make the sale on the market floor.
Produced with the support of:
Whalesong Studios
Andrew Younger
Katia Younger
Dani Squires
Annapolis Royal has Nova Scotia’s largest outdoor Farmers Market and it’s the longest running of all the province’s farm markets. With over 100 vendors, showcasing crafts, baked goods, and fresh veggies, locals and tourists alike delight in this market. Strattons Farm, a market garden 8km away from the market, specialises in the organic farming of an amazing variety of colourful vegetables.
For 50 years people have been making an annual trip to the Dartmouth Handcrafters Market to kick off their holiday season. Dani chats with board member Lou about the history of the guild and how the market is still growing and changing. For Shawna, of Sterling Coast Designs, this is her first time attending the event as a vendor and she couldn’t have had a better experience.
Join Dani at the small but mighty market of Louisbourg where local vendors and the seniors centre are helping to revitalise the local community. Farming siblings, Jourdan and Grant, take Dani on a tour of their farm to meet their forest-raised pigs and free range chickens.
Bill Mont organized the first flea market east of Montreal in 1973. His flea markets could be found in hallways of malls all over until Sunday shopping moved them out. Today the Halifax Flea Market is still going strong after 30 years in business. Dani learns about acquiring records and being a regular flea market vendor from Paul O’Keefe.
The Truro Farmers Market has many long standing loyal vendors who, through the cooperative, help to maintain the beautiful old fire hall, and grow the market. Dani meets with Ron, from Stick Works, who shares his love of the market and the personal stories behind his beautiful woodworking.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary the Bridgewater Farmers’ Market has found a new home that offers a lovely outdoor and indoor space for the community to gather. Melissa Berry takes Dani on a tour of her organic berry and flower farm.
Alderney Landing has been the home of the farmer’s market for 25 years, catering to the three seniors’ homes in the neighbourhood, families and the Dartmouth community at large. Father and daughter, Jeff and Mikaela, are the proud owners of a candle company that makes a healthier candle.
Dani meets with collectors Cees van der Hoek and Clair Peers to learn about antiquing in Great Village. What began almost 25 years ago as an idea by a group of passionate collectors has transformed Great Village into Nova Scotia’s go-to destination for all things antique.
The Halifax Brewery Farmers’ Market has a long history within the city. Join our host Dani as she explores the market and learns from Joy of PHAT Cookies what is involved in baking for this market.
For 48 years Lunenburg has hosted the Craft and Food Festival. Over the last few years the volunteer board decided to step aside and bring in Darwin Event Group to help them run the event. And what an event! Jill, from Artful Cut Glass Engraving experiences her first season at this market and shares with Dani what it's like to be part of the market community.
Having started as an outdoor market the Wolfville Farmers’ Market has found a home with Acadia University. Pia shares her love of this market and joy of weaving beautiful products.
Different Folks Markets are just as the name implies, markets that celebrate all the different folks that make up our communities. Dani chats with founder Kayti about why these markets are so important and to artist Bria who experienced their first Different Folks Market as a vendor.
Ten years ago a small group of women brought together the United Church and the local community to create Tapestry, and a farmer’s market which brought more than just commerce back onto the mountain. Join Dani as she learns about the history of this close-knit community and how local potter Meg's solar powered studio brings beautiful functional wear to the market.