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St. Jacobs Market District

St. Jacobs Market District

Canada’s Largest Farmers’ Market

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Featured

Market Road Antique Treasures: Shuqslak

Posted: January 10, 2021

Joseph Shuqslak Soapstone

Joseph Shuqslak was born September 4, 1958 and resides in Gjoa Haven, an Inuit hamlet and the only settlement on King William Island in Nunavut. Joseph comes from a family of carvers. He is the son of Joata Shuqslak, a late Gjoa carver, and Lana Qiyuk Shuqslak, a carver and crafts artist. Joseph’s Grandfather and uncles where also carvers as is his brother Moses Pameogarrak.

“I do mostly soapstone. Some whalebone, not too much. That’s about it, except when I go down south to try other types of stone, like marble. About two years ago I was awarded a scholarship by the Inuit Art Foundation to go to Vermont where I did some work with pneumatic tools. I’ve never used them before; it was good.”

“I’ve been an artist for more than 20 years. When I was 15 or 16 years old I had a job but noticed that people were making money from carving. I tried it and found that just about anything I carved I could sell. So I just kept on doing it. Not seriously at first. It was only about eight years ago that I started really carving.”

“My grandfather and my uncle carved. My grandfather’s brothers used to carve. I watched and learned. Also, when I was very young, maybe six or seven years old, I found a piece of soapstone out on the land in a tent. I filed it down to a fine finish and when I showed it to my grandfather he told me I was a very good carver. He paid me for all the hard work I did. I thought it was pretty good, so I just kept on going.”

 “Our main problem now is getting soapstone. We used to be able to just go to the quarry and pick stone up off the ground. The stone was all on top. For many years now, the loose stone has been gone and we dig out of the ground and you can’t really do that until summer time. We can’t reach it by boat or by anything else in summer. The only time we can reach it at all is in the winter time, by skidoo and sleds. Our main problem is getting an airplane to fly up there and dig it out for the winter. We can’t even get it back to the community when we dig out in the summer because it’s too heavy. We need some money to get a quarry so we can dig stone out in the summer with a few guys. We’d leave them out there for a while to dig it out like they did two years ago. That soapstone lasted for about two seasons but this spring it’s all gone.”

Filed Under: Featured, Market Road Antiques Tagged With: antiques, treasures

To our valued customers: we are back!

Posted: June 3, 2020

We are pleased to announce that the St.Jacobs Farmers Market will be re-opening June 4th, starting with the outdoor market area. The lower level of the Market building will re-open June 6th. Market Tent is now open, Peddlers Village and the Upper floor of the Market Building to open July 7th

Food, fast food and retail items are available, but Horse Drawn Trolley rides, pony rides, farmyard animals and the kids activities are all on hold right now.

Access to the Market will be through one central entrance located just off of the King St parking lot. There are directional arrows in the outdoor area and in all the buildings. Please pay attention to the flow of traffic and follow the arrows.

To help with a positive and safe Market experience for all, please do the following:

  • send 1 family member to shop at the Market if possible. Leave your kids at home,and leave your pets at home please
  • be purposeful and efficient with your shopping, have a look at the vendor attendance list on line before you come or pick up copy at the entrance
  • please don’t linger to chat with friends. We know its been hard to be stuck at home, but the Market is not a place to come right now if you are bored, its for shopping, not stopping.
  • everyone is encouraged to enjoy their food purchases at home- there is no seating available inside any buildings or within the outdoor fenced area.
  • follow all directional signage and do not cut across barriers or designated lineups at entrances
  • contactless payment is strongly encouraged, but try to bring small bills and change if you are intending to pay with cash
  • wash your hands frequently-there will be many hand sanitizer stations located around the indoor and outdoor market areas
  • reusable bags and containers not permitted at this time

Please do not come to the Market if you:

  • are feeling unwell or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19
  • have been in close contact with anyone who has is sick, is being tested, or has been diagnosed with COVID 19

Please be patient and respectful of all other customers, vendors, and employees. It may not be the same Market experience you have had in the past, but we all need to be willing to embrace a new “normal”. Some vendors have been temporarily moved to accommodate a different market layout, please ask a staff member for help or consult our online map on the website.

Thank you for your continued support.

Please feel free to contact our Market office if you have any questions 519-747-1830 or visit our website for information.

Filed Under: Announcement, Featured, Market News

Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

Posted: March 10, 2020

These recipes are created by Jennifer Barnes Holistic Nutritionist who loves good food and helping client`s improve their health with diet and lifestyle changes.  Jennifer runs a private nutrition consulting practice in Kitchener helping clients understand what their body needs to function, so they can enjoy life and food with less stress.  Food is essential in her practice, she loves creating recipes that leave you satisfied, nourished and healthy, no matter your current dietary restrictions. 

You can learn more about Jennifer at www.jbarnesliving.com

Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

A healthy treat the whole family can enjoy.  Eat for breakfast or after school snack.  These muffins are gluten free with the option to be dairy free for those who have dietary restrictions.

These muffins are moist and nutritious and made in less than 30 minutes.  It contains natural sweeteners such as banana and blueberries.  Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C which is needed by every cell in the body and helps boost your immunity.   This recipe includes lemon which are also rich in Vitamin C and gives you a muffin that is sweet with a hint of tangy.  Go ahead and eat your way to good health.

Many of the ingredients for my recipes can be purchased at the market…shop locally and come say hello to the vendors at St Jacob’s Market District.

Enjoy!

Serves 12   30 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Almond Flour
  • ½ tsp Baking Soda
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 Lemon (zest & juice)
  • 3 Eggs (dairy free option you can use chia egg, see notes)
  • 1 Banana (medium mashed)
  • ¼ cup of Maple Syrup
  • 1 cup of Blueberries

Notes

Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Freeze for up to three months.

Almond Flour

This recipe was tested using almond flour. Please note that if using another type of flour, results will vary.

Banana

One medium banana is equal to 1/2 cup mashed banana.

Dairy Free

To replace an egg, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture becomes gel.

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (177ºC). Line a muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a medium sized bowl whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, sea salt and lemon zest.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, eggs, banana and maple syrup. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir to combine. Fold in the blueberries.
  4. Spoon the batter into the muffin liners and bake for 20 to 24 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Featured, Recipes

Meet the Community of Creators at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: Angus Burns, White Wolf & Friends

Posted: March 3, 2020

**Part of a series of stories focusing on the producers and makers you’ll find at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market**

artist Angus Burns, owner of White Wolf and Friends, working on a piece of art created on wood in his booth at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

Owner Angus Burns, White Wolf & Friends

White Wolf & Friends: Original Wildlife Paintings on Wood and Moose Antler Carvings

For the past 51 years, wildlife artist Angus Burns has created intricate paintings and carvings using natural mediums such as wood and even moose antlers as his canvas. He enjoys working with the textures and grains of the woods, and says these natural mediums speak to his soul. “When I paint on a burl (a knotty tree growth), all the beautiful textures and grains in the wood just pop out, and that attracts people,” Angus explains. “And I don’t do much background painting, because the wood is good scenery in itself.”

animal and nature paintings done on wood by artist Angus Burns of White Wolf & Friends at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

Angus is a self-taught artist. He began painting when he was 17 and working in northern bush camps. Working in the camp kitchen meant he didn’t have much to do in the afternoons, so art provided him with something to do. One day he was approached by a gentleman who asked him if he could paint some ducks onto a tree burl for him, and Angus said yes (although he had never done anything like that before). That one project soon turned into more than 50 such paintings, and marked the beginning of Angus’ artistic career. Although he continued to work in bush camps, and later on the railway, Angus started to cut his own wood to paint. He also started carving after being approached by a train operator in Moose River (south of James Bay) who had found some moose antlers and wanted Angus to carve the rack for him. Although he had never carved before, Angus says he knew he could do it. “For me it’s like I look at something and imagine it finished: then I just take out all the parts that aren’t there (in my mind).”

Angus came to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market approximately 14 years ago, when his partner, Sarah Spencer, told him she thought the Market would be a good fit for him. “I had been going to a lot of shows in different places, including the One of a Kind show in Toronto,” he says. “I wasn’t sure about it at first, but she persuaded me to apply so I tried it.” Angus likes the comradery and community that happens at the Market, and he loves being able to interact with customers as he works on his art.

“White Wolf & Friends is like my studio, and I can talk to people as I’m working so they can see that I’m actually doing the work,” Angus explains. “It’s important for people to know these aren’t pieces that I just buy and hang on the walls in my booth – these pieces are all handmade by me and my partner, who helps me out.”

He has customers who have bought pieces from him for years, and has a large client list. He calls the Market a gathering place, where people come from all over. One man told him he stopped by his booth seeing a sign at an airport in Holland telling people to go see Angus at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market (the man showed Angus a picture of the sign). He enjoys hearing the comments from people about his art, and feels his pieces speak to people.

artist Angus Burns working on a commission piece of a dog at White Wolf & Friends at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

“I believe each piece should talk to you,” he says. “I’m working on a piece for a woman who recently lost her dog. I’ve got to make the dog look like he’s looking right at her, so that when she looks at the piece, she can see him looking back at her. I put a lot of love and care into what I do: it’s important to me to touch people’s hearts through my art work.”

If you’re curious as to why Angus chose the name White Wolf & Friends for his business, there’s a story there too. It’s a story that’s worth stopping by his booth in Peddler’s Village at the Market to hear directly from a man who is happy to share his stories in person, and through his art.

Filed Under: Featured, Market News, Seasonal Spotlight

Chocolate Almond Mousse

Posted: February 12, 2020

These recipes are created by Jennifer Barnes Holistic Nutritionist who loves good food and helping client`s improve their health with diet and lifestyle changes.  Jennifer runs a private nutrition consulting practice in Kitchener helping clients understand what their body needs to function, so they can enjoy life and their food with less stress.  Food is essential in her practice, she loves creating recipes that leave you satisfied, nourished and healthy, no matter your current dietary restrictions.  The right food is medicine, the right food is essential and the right food is powerful.

You can learn more about Jennifer at www.jbarnesliving.com

Chocolate Almond Mousse

A Chocolate Valentine treat for you and your loved ones that is gluten, egg and dairy free for those who have dietary restrictions.

This recipe is delicious and nutritious made with simple whole ingredients and easy to make.  It contains avocado, a medium chain fat that is more easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal track, keeps you fuller longer and helps balance your blood sugar.  One serving of this dessert contains 50 % of your daily intake of fibre.  Fibre is essential for many health benefits, is excellent for gut health, especially the gastrointestinal track and helps lower cholesterol.  This recipe is a great way to add healthy fats and fibre to your daily diet.  Go ahead and indulge and eat your way to good health.

Many of the ingredients for my recipes can be purchased at the market…shop locally and come say hello to the vendors at St Jacob’s Market District.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Almond Mousse

Servings 6  5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 Avocado (peeled and pits removed)
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Almond Butter
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (Optional) Sprinkle on top of Chocolate Mousse or toast to add another dimension)
  • 1/2 cup Strawberries (Slice strawberries and place on top of mousse)

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to occasionally scrape down the sides.
  2. Sprinkle Coconut on top and or you can toast the coconut for an added dimension. To toast coconut spread coconut flakes on a baking sheet and bake at 325 F. The flakes will toast quickly and won’t take more thank 5-10 minutes.
  3. Divide into small bowls, add your choice of toppings or enjoy as is.

Notes

No Cocoa Powder

Use cacao powder instead.

·         No Almond Butter

Use peanut butter or any type of nut butter.

·         Optional Toppings

Toasted coconut, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and banana.

·         More Fibre

Add ground flax seeds before blending.

Filed Under: Featured, Recipes

Meet the Community of Creators at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: Deidre Zervos, Botanical Propaganda Bath & Body

Posted: February 4, 2020

**Part of a series of stories focusing on the producers and makers you’ll find at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market**

makers waterloo region, st. jacobs farmers' market, market makers, bath and body products, vendors st. jacobs farmers market, natural products waterloo region, natural bath and body products, sustainable

Deidre Zervos, Owner, Botanical Propaganda

So how does someone with a background in restaurant management end up as a natural bath and body product entrepreneur? For Deidre Zervos, Owner of Botanical Propaganda at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, it was personal.

“My daughter suffered from cystic acne, and her doctors wanted to prescribe a medication,” she explains. Deidre started researching the side effects of acne medications and topical ointments and was concerned by what she discovered. She decided to look down a more natural path to see if there were any alternatives for treating her daughter’s acne. “I eventually found an all-natural oil product and learned about oil cleansing; that was the discovery that started me on my new path.” In 2015 she left the restaurant business and started Botanical Propaganda at the Market (she also operates The Bath Market in the Village of St. Jacobs).

Botanical Propaganda, bath and body, all natural, vendors, St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, sustainable, environmentally friendly

Deidre began researching and experimenting with natural skin care ingredients. “I don’t have a chemistry background,” she says, “so I’m self-taught for the products I make. I’ve taken courses and classes, and I’ve done a lot of research. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for us. Poison ivy is ‘natural’, and we wouldn’t want to rub it all over our bodies!”

Deidre has strict criteria for the bath, body and wellness products developed for Botanical Propaganda. All ingredients are sourced from Canadian suppliers, and are not tested on animals. Toxic ingredients, like phthalates and sulfates, are never used and all of her products are vegan. She also follows a ‘less is more’ philosophy, and is developing more products that are package-free. “Our saying is ‘Ditch the Bottle’,” Deidre says. “We make shampoo bars that are package and waste-free. We want people to have a quality, reasonably priced product that also helps the environment by reducing plastics.”

bath bombs, Botanical Propaganda, bath and body, vendors, St. JAcobs Farmers' Market, sustainable, environmentally friendly

While Botanical Propaganda is known for its bins of bath bombs at the Market, Deidre says her favourite product is the whipped sugar scrubs they make. “They are unique to us,” she says. “They are gentle, exfoliating scrubs that turn into a creamy, lathering body wash. They’re sulphate-free, scented, and they’re very aesthetically pleasing!” And with names like ‘Chubby Unicorn’ and ‘Be Flamazing’, they’re fun too.

Deidre loves being part of the Market culture and specifically choose the Market as the location to launch her business. “Here you meet the people who are making your product,” she explains. “It’s an opportunity for our customers to understand a little more about who we are, what our philosophy is and why we’re doing what we’re doing. We have fantastic conversations with our customers here!”

The relationships Deidre fosters with the community also go beyond sales. “We just partnered with Hope Springs Cancer Support Centre on a holiday fundraiser,” Deidre explains. “We met them through the Market, and were able to provide product for them. You don’t get that interaction if you’re just an online company. Here, you understand who your community is.”

Deidre also likes how the Market works with vendors on special promotions and events. For example, February is the Lots of Love campaign at the Market.

Botanical Propaganda, vendor, St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, bath and body, environmentally friendly, sustainable

“Our customers can expect heart-shaped bath bombs for sure!” Deidre smiles. “We’ve also come up with themed scents for our whipped scrubs; there’s ‘Stupid Cupid’ and ‘Wine is my Valentine’. And there’s a special promotion where if you spend $40 with us, you’ll get a free sugar lip scrub – which is nice for all of the kissing that will be going on around Valentine’s Day!” Market-goers can also stop by her booth in Peddler’s Village to fill out a ballot for a large gift basket of pamper products, no purchase necessary.

And gentlemen – Deidre wants you to know she has lots of products available for you too. “We’re finding men are becoming more involved in ‘self-care’, and are open to the idea of purchasing products that are more natural as well.”

Deidre loves that her customers are so loyal, and says people are realizing the importance of paying more attention to the ingredients in their body care products.

“Our biggest organ is our skin. People are taking time to eat healthier and live cleaner lifestyles. So if you’re working hard to put good things into your body, doesn’t it make sense to put good things on your body too?”

Deidre also feels it’s important to listen to the needs and wants of her customers.

“Natural ingredients might be a little more expensive to use, but at the end of the day if that’s what people want and that’s what’s better for us and for the environment, then that’s what we’re going to choose for our products.”

Botanical Propaganda is one of the many makers you’ll discover inside Peddler’s Village at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market

Filed Under: Featured, Market News, Seasonal Spotlight

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Recent Posts

  • Market Road Antique Treasures: Shuqslak
  • A Foodie Road trip through Waterloo Region
  • To our valued customers: we are back!
  • Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
  • Meet the Community of Creators at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: Angus Burns, White Wolf & Friends

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LOCATIONS

Farmers’ Market
878 Weber St. N
(519) 747-1830
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Market Road Antiques
845 Weber St. N
(519) 746-1999
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St. Jacobs Outlets
25 Benjamin Road E.
(519) 747-1830
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MARKET DISTRICT

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Recipes
In The Media
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LOCATIONS

Farmers’ Market
878 Weber St. N
(519) 747-1830
icon icon icon icon

Market Road Antiques
845 Weber St. N
(519) 746-1999
icon icon icon

St. Jacobs Outlets
25 Benjamin Road E.
(519) 747-1830
icon icon

MARKET DISTRICT

The Market Blog
Recipes
In The Media
Become A Vendor

FARMERS’ MARKET

Vendor Directory

MARKET ROAD ANTIQUES

Antique Promotions

FARMERS’ MARKET​

Shops Directory
Outlet Promotions
Toy Building Zone

HOURS OF OPERATION​

Farmers’ Market:
Thu and Sat – 7am to 3:30pm

Outlet Mall:
Mon – Fri  – 10am to 7pm
Sat – 9am to 6pm
Sun – 11am to 6pm

Antique Store:
Sun – Sat – 10am to 6pm