The Rockwood Farmers' Market

​If you are not from the Guelph/Wellington area, Rockwood may not sound familiar to you but hopefully this post will change that! Rockwood is a small town located on Highway 7 (between Acton and the City of Guelph) and is home to the Rockwood Conservation area, Goodfellow's Field To Fork Bakery, and of course the Rockwood Farmers' Market on Wednesdays!  
 
The Rockwood Farmers' Market is a young, small but growing market that has become the best mid-week activity in Rockwood during the summer months. It’s perfect for anyone who prefers to avoid the Saturday market crowds, or maybe as an additional mid-week grocery top up. Or it’s just simply a great reason to get outside and be part of the community! 

​Located in a beautiful outdoor space at Rockwood’s main ‘corner’ where Main Street and Highway 7 meet, this mid-week market takes place every Wednesday from 4-7pm from mid-June until mid-September. The Rockwood Farmers Market is now in its 4th season and it is more lively than ever! 

​For me the Rockwood market is more than just a marketplace, it’s really like a mini festival where the community can gather and spend their afternoon with family and friends. The market features a range of local farmers to producers to musicians and kids activities. 

​I’ve made some close friendships in Rockwood with some of its locals. Ryan from Goodfellow’s bakery and I go back a couple of years, and it’s always nice to see a familiar face at the market whether he is a vendor or just a market patron. Leslie from Top Market Meats is also a friend and I’ve been a loyal customer of hers. It was great to see her daughter, Elizabeth, start a business of her own at the market, Wiggle Wiggle Pet Supplies! 

​You’ll be able to fully stock-up at this market. You’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables to meat, dairy, bread, pastries, to local honey, and maple syrup. Not to mention a variety of artisanal products and preserves. You can even stay for supper as there are many ready-made meals and ice cream on offer, while enjoying some of the live music at the market!

​Throughout the season, many special events take place at the market. There’s a corn roast, a harvest celebration, ride your bike to the market, and many more. The market also plays an important role as a business incubator as it hosts two “Business Fests,” which features start-up and home-based businesses.

​The Rockwood Farmers’ Market is really all about community and giving back. Some of their events are fundraisers for local schools and the East Wellington Community Services.

It is really a unique market to visit if you are in the area on a Wednesday afternoon. Once you step into the market you aren’t just a patron, you are a part of the community. You’ll quickly get a feel of the market’s welcoming air and hopefully stay for the live music, fun activities, good food and friendly vendors and market patrons! 

​Plus, the market is close to the Rockwood Conservation Area, which is one of the most gorgeous and famous conservation areas in Ontario! Definitely worth a visit before or after the market! Read more about the Rockwood Conservation Area here: https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Rockwood.aspx
 
For more information on the Rockwood Farmers’ Market see http://therockwoodfarmersmarket.ca/.
For more information on local food in Wellington County, visit tastereal.ca
 
-Sassy