With the summer dwindling and autumn asserting itself through an explosion of bright yellow and brown leaves, Toronto’s Farmers’ markets are slowly starting to close up shop. However, there are still a few bustling markets around town, including the Markham Main Street Farmers’ Market. This smaller market is located, as one would guess, on Markham’s Main Street which is also called, crazily enough, Markham Road. It lies just northeast of Toronto, right above Scarborough and open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

It was our first time and it was smaller than we thought it would be. Maybe it had something to do with our late arrival, but there were less than twenty booths. We counted.

Still though, the food selection was broad from fresh meat such as Angus beef, to baked goods like lemon pies and fruit tarts. There was even a shop selling arts and crafts which had hand-made stuffed animals for the surprisingly large number of kids in attendance. Most of the shopkeepers are from the surrounding area or near enough.

One family which frequents this farmer’s market owns Willowtree Farms from Port Perry. We bought some colourful peppers along with button mushrooms and some of the sweetest blueberries I have ever tasted. They’re small, wild, chemical free and they pack flavour. We just couldn’t stop eating them, and for $8 a pint or $23 for a small plastic container, it was well worth it.

To brighten up the dreary, cloud-infested morning, the market had live performers. They have them every week. On the day we went, Brian & Friends were slated to perform. We sat on the picnic bench, fingers blue from too much eating, and enjoyed the live music.

Like most farmers’ markets, this one is closing soon. It’s last day is scheduled for October 6.