The Farmers' Market will run every Wednesday in Coulter Parkette until September 6.

Hub Staff

The sun was shining bright on June 7 for the first day of the award winning Port Elgin Farmers’ Market's sixth season in Coulter Parkette, at the corner of Green and Goderich streets in downtown Port Elgin.

The popular Wednesday market, presented by the Port Elgin BIA, will now run every Wednesday until September 6.

Laura McInnes of the Port Elgin Farmers' Market and Port Elgin BIA said the first day had been busy. “This year it's bigger than we've ever had it, so it's really good,” she said. Currently 43 seasonal vendors and eight daily vendors are signed up for the season. “We've got a really good mix of vendors this year with the bakers and the farmers and the artisans.”

Port Elgin resident, Andrea Legault of Andrea's Baking, underestimated how busy the market would be on the first day. “I had croissants and scones this week,” she said, adding that she was sold out by 10:30 a.m. “I know for next week, it’s busy here.

One of the new seasonal vendors to this year’s market was Zettel Family Farms from Chepstow, who had certified organic meats and vegetables on offer. “It's been pretty good,” said Mark Zettel. “We're happy. It's a nice location and the people are friendly.”

The market also gave visitors a chance to purchase early bird tickets to this year’s Farm to Table event, which will take place August 19 and was a huge success last year. Of the 50 early bird tickets on offer, 36 had been sold with the rest being made available at the Market June 14. Official ticket sales for the second annual street dinner will get underway at the end of June.

Andrea Legault of Andrea's Baking in Port Elgin had croissants and scones available for the first market of the season.

Cathy Fenton of Cathy's Flower 'N Treasures had a selection of items available from her downtown Port Elgin store.

A regular at the Market, Greg Stewart of Stewart's Fresh Produce in Elsinore had a variety of seasonal produce.

There were lots of people out shopping on the first day of the Port Elgin Farmers' Market, now in its sixth season.

Serving a variety of beverages at the Rabbit Dash stall were owner Jon Hepplewhite, left, and Zach Ernst.

New vendors Mark and Emily Zettel of Zettel Family Farms were enjoying their first day at the Port Elgin Farmers' Market June 7.