It was a soggy first hour of opening day at the Innisfil Farmers' Market, but once the skies cleared and the sun came out, so did shoppers.
"Success we had!" said Market Manager Jaime Grant.
"It eventually cleared up and we reached our capacity and people had to wait a bit to enter," explained Market Manager Jaime Grant, who cleared out her table of baked treats at The Summer Oven Bakery.
"Everyone had this amazing attitude, that they were all so grateful we were open and both patrons and vendors were surprised to see how large we have become," said Grant. "I think we have finally matured as a thriving market when we have over a thousand people attend even on a rain date."
Many vendors sold out of their products before closing time.
Last year was a record-breaking season for the market, with the most visitors and sales, and this year, Grant thinks it will be even better.
This year marks its 11th season, with a total of 48 rotating vendors.
Market-goer Ashley George was excited to spend the afternoon at the market with family, and spend some time supporting local growers.
"It's nice to show a little local support and spend some money," she said.
Rallis Olive Oil is a new family-owned business at the market this year. They make olive oil in Greece using Koroneiki olives on their certified-organic estate.
"That's where my grandfather lives and we go down for the press and harvest," explained Marcus Rallis, who was at the market on Thursday selling the oil with brother Nick.
Also new to the market this year are family-owned craft distillery, Heretic Spirits out of Collingwood.
"We've been in the LCBO for a year and a half now, and won nine awards," said Leigh Hendricks, one of the owners.
Their gin recently won what is considered an Oscar at the San Francisco World Spirits.
"We're really proud of it," said Hendricks.
Every other week will feature a new drink for market-goers to take home and try in mini to-go cups. On Thursday they had their gin and tonic and vodka cranberry, which was a hit among customers.
New rules for this year's market include mandatory masks (unless medically exempt), and a capacity limit of 130 guests at a time. On Thursday, arrows were marked on the pavement for customers, as well as hand sanitizer at every booth.
There were also a few dogs at the market on Thursday. The Innisfil Farmers' Market is one of the only markets in Ontario that are permitting pets to visit.
The markets will run every Thursday and Friday from 1-6 p.m. at the Innisfil YMCA and Tanger Outlet Mall, respectively.
Opening day for the Innisfil Farmers' Market is on Thursday, June 3 from 1-6 p.m. at the Innisfil YMCA parking lot located at 7315 Yonge St., Innisfil.
The Tanger Outlet Mall location at 3311 Simcoe Road 89, Cookstown, will be on Friday, June 11 from 1 - 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the market website here.
