The Smithville Farmers' Market, in its fourth year, gathers every Saturday morning at the Smithville fairgrounds, under a pavilion located behind the arena. However, as of August 2, vendors will be moving downtown, taking over Convenience Street after aldermen unanimously approved a market move last week.

The Grimsby Farmers' Market, currently in its first season, sets up at the St. George Ukranian Church every Thursday at 4:30 p.m., on the corner of Ontario and Adelaide Streets.

In order to give patrons a better grasp on what fresh fruits and vegetables are available from week to week, the Grimsby Lincoln News is launching a Market Fresh initiative, to reveal what's on the menu at the market.

Farmers' Markets are becoming a staple of small-town Ontario, with more than 140 setting up on a weekly basis across the province.

"There has been an exciting renaissance of farmers' markets across Ontario over the past decade," explains Robert Chorney, executive director of Farmers' Markets Ontario.

"In each case, the story is the same. Some community group or municipality recognizing that a farmers' market can be a vibrant economic development tool and that is good for the soul of the community."

The key for small-town markets such as those in Grimsby and Smithville, is the fact that smaller farmers are able to get their products to the consumer, says Michelle Seaborn, steering committee chair of the Grimsby market.

For consumers, it provides a way to get fresh, local produce. Even chefs are known to scope out the Grimsby market, looking for fresh products.

"They can usually get fresh fruit and vegetables the day it's picked," said Seaborn.

This Thursday, the Grimsby market will host a cooking demonstration by Bestow Bakery.

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FRESH AT THE MARKET THIS WEEK GRIMSBY