The Orillia Farmers’ Market is adding three evenings to its schedule this summer.
Friday night markets will take place July 9, July 23 and Aug. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., and will coincide with the city’s See You on the Patio program.
When the market management committee became a committee of council in 2019, members began exploring options to hold the market outside of the usual Saturdays, when it takes place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
COVID-19 put those plans on hold, but the return of the patio program presented an opportunity.
“See You on the Patio is to promote shopping locally and it’s the demographic that the vendors want to reach,” said Michael Ladouceur, the city’s manager of tourism and special events. “It’s to provide a unique experience for our patrons.”
The three night markets are part of a pilot project. If it goes well enough, they might be held again in the future.
It’s clear there is interest among vendors. There will be a maximum of 20 vendors and the spots are already almost sold out.
“That’s a great sign. We’re excited,” Ladouceur said.
The night markets will be held in the courtyard between the Orillia Public Library and the Orillia Opera House.
The Saturday morning markets will continue to be held in the parking lot beside the opera house. Parking is free during the Saturday market hours in municipal lots 4, 7, 9 and 10.
Once the list of vendors for the Friday markets is confirmed, it will be posted on the Orillia Farmers’ Market website as well as its Facebook and Instagram pages.
