The Municipality of Huron Shores, Ontario is located along a scenic section of the Trans-Canada Highway #17 within the District of Algoma between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, ON. Two farmers’ markets operate within the municipality. One in Iron Bridge, the other in Sowerby. Both are seasonal and are housed in historical surroundings. Both are worth the stop to travellers, seasonal and year-round residents.
All Image Credit: Sandra J. Trainor
Iron Bridge
My first stop was the Iron Bridge Farmers’ Market, located outdoors, under a fixed gazebo canopy on the grounds of the Iron Bridge Historical Museum and Travel Centre. It’s in a pretty park-like setting, just off the highway on the South side and as you enter the village going west. The museum consists of four buildings, all containing interesting artifacts from homesteads donated by generous families from around the area. There are convenient clean washroom facilities and picnic tables ready for anyone wanting to stop and have a rest.
The market itself is a small one, with an average of 4-5 dedicated vendors, but what they lack for in size, they make up for in enthusiasm and friendliness. The Iron Bridge Farmers’ Market started up just over 20 years ago. “We’re set up from the end of June to the end of September, each Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM”, said Carl Trivers, Market Manager.
“What we sell, we grow, make and produce ourselves.”
I think this is one of the best things about buying from vendors at Farmers’ Markets. You’re buying direct from the source and the produce is as fresh as it could be, picked that morning in most cases. As the growing season unfolds, the abundance will increase. The Iron Bridge market is a perfect stop for travellers looking for quality local products, as well as some learn some history of the area. To learn more about the site, click here.
Carl mentioned that if anyone is interested in becoming a vendor, the market can accommodate from one week to the whole season.
For more information, contact Carl Trivers: 705 843-2486
Iron Bridge Farmers’ Market
1 James St. & Hwy 17 at the Iron Bridge Historical Museum
Municipality of Huron Shores
Saturdays – 9 AM – 2 PM
End of June – End of September
Sowerby
A little farther down the highway heading West, is what is commonly known as the Sowerby Farmers’ Market located at the Cordukes/Weber Historical 12-sided barn. Which is just off the north side of the highway on Basswood Lake Road. The barn itself is an amazing attraction as well as an event venue for weddings, concerts, dinners and more. It was dismantled and moved to Sowerby and lovingly restored a few years ago. It’s one of only three, 12-sided barns in Canada. The lower level of the barn is where you’ll find the farmers’ market vendors set up. Each Saturday from the beginning of June to Thanksgiving in October, from 9 AM – 2 PM.
I talked with Will Samis, a representative of the market who said that “the market has really become a community centre, where neighbours meet. People from the lakes in the area like Big Basswood and Bright Lakes, have embraced the barn and use it for their events too.”
There is an average of 4-7 vendors during the season, offering everything from furniture, hand crafted wares, baking and fresh produce, this is a busy market during the season.
To learn more about renting the Cordukes/Weber Historical 12-sided barn for an event, or becoming a vendor as well as the history of the barn, contact the Municipality of Huron Shores directly.
Cordukes/Weber Historic 12-Sided Barn Farmers’ Market (Sowerby Market)
1410 Basswood Lake Rd.
Municipality of Huron Shores
Saturdays 9 AM – 2 PM
Beginning of June – October, Thanksgiving weekend
Phone: (705) 843-5567
Due to COVID-19, Farmers’ Market hours of operation, dates and vendor information may vary for the 2020 season. Please contact them directly for details.
About Sandra Trainor
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Sandra is a Freelance Marketing Consultant. Sandra recently returned to her hometown and believes that food brings people together, no matter what their background and that food grown and produced close to us should be not only supported, but celebrated.
