To me, the list of what goes into an ideal Saturday in Sackville has a rotating set of activities, but I would almost always include a trip to the farmers’ market on it. For those who have never been, the farmers’ market is set up every Saturday morning in the Bill Johnstone Memorial Park, runs from 9am to 12pm, and hosts a wide variety of vendors. In addition to fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farmers, you can also find fresh baked goods, coffee, a local meat truck, handmade crafts, and so much more. Of course, now you can even buy locally made cloth face coverings!  

The market is a huge contributor to the amazing vibes of downtown Sackville and grabbing a couple friends and checking out the vendors is a great way to mix things up in a weekend full of studying. Whether you are living off campus and looking to support local and stock up on groceries for the week, or are looking to take a break from meal hall by grabbing a fresh coffee and pastry for breakfast on a Saturday, you will definitely leave the Sackville farmers’ market feeling happy, fresh and fulfilled!  

Luckily, even with restrictions due to the covid-19 pandemic, the market is still able to be fully operational, with extra measures such as markings for social distancing, face mask wearing and extra sanitization. In addition to this, they have also started introducing a food box delivery, so that if you cannot make it to the market in time, you can still get your fix of local goods delivered right to your door! This is also a great resource if you are feeling a little nervous about getting out into a crowd at the market and would prefer to stay at home.  

The market is definitely a great establishment if you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy the sunshine during summer in Sackville, or when you are feeling the seasonal change in the air on a crisp fall Saturday. However, unknown to many, these are not the only times of the year that you can enjoy the farmers’ market! That’s right – the market is a year-round affair; so even though it is starting to get chillier out, does not mean that you have missed your opportunity to visit the market for this year. When the weather gets cooler, the market moves its location a little bit up the road, to be housed at the Sackville Commons, 64 Main St. So now, rain or shine, you can head up there to the slightly smaller, but still no less well-serving indoor farmers’ market!  

There are many experiences at Mount A that make up a huge part of the university experience, and taking a Saturday morning to enjoy and stock up at the Sackville farmers’ market is definitely one of them. After reading this, I hope you are inspired to get out there and support our town by shopping and eating locally!