Farmers' Market Celebrating 'A Living Tradition' of 175 Years in Downtown Hamilton

Free October Events Include Cooking Demos, Musicians, Kids’ Activities & More

Every Saturday in October, the Hamilton Farmers' Market will be celebrating its 175th anniversary with free cooking demos, kids' activities, tasty samples, and much more. In addition, on Thursday, October 11, the historic Birks Clock turns 82. Throughout the day, the clock will play songs from its impressive 200-song repertoire.

The Hamilton Farmers' Market was founded in 1837 at the corner of York and James streets, and has been in its current space beside the Central library since 1980. As a historic community gathering place that was renovated in early 2011, the Hamilton Farmers' Market offers a variety of locally grown and produced food, quality international foods, fresh flowers, works from local artisans, and specialty products. It celebrates Hamilton’s agricultural history and diversity by growing, nourishing and inspiring community.

WHAT: 175^th Anniversary of the Hamilton Farmers' Market

Featured performers and activities include:

• Bach Elgar Choir
• Hamilton's Children's Choir
• Musicians, singer-songwriters
• Square dancing
• Food demonstrations for adults
• Cooking workshops for children
• Puppet shows
• Give-away baked goods prepared by your favourite vendors
• Local poet John Terpstra reading his poem about the market
• Free 175th anniversary shopping bags
• Free illustrated colouring books about the Market
• Historical slide show on the history of the Market
• Special songs played on the Birks Clock

WHEN: Saturdays in October – 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hamilton Farmers' Market, 35 York Boulevard (map)

Free street parking in downtown Hamilton on Saturdays

For more information, please visit www.hamilton.ca/farmersmarket or call 905-546-2096.

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Media contact:

Donna Lee Macdonald
Manager, Hamilton Farmers' Market
DonnaLee.Macdonald@hamilton.ca
905-546-2424 ext. 2097