• The Stouffville Market returns May 10 with a record 70 vendors expected for its 2025 summer season launch.
  • A Mother’s Day-themed opening day will feature red carpet treatment for moms, giveaways, and vendor specials.
  • Saturday attendance has grown to an average of nearly 2,000 visitors since the Market’s launch in 2022.
  • Longtime market favorites return alongside new vendors offering everything from microgreens and empanadas to tech support and cheesecake in a jar.
  • Through October 18, the Stouffville Market will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 6240 Main Street parking lot.
  • In a conversation with Bullet Point News, Market organizer Susan Tucker touched on increasing community turnout, the potential for expansion, and vendor collaboration.

 

Stouffville’s beloved Saturday market returns May 10 for the 2025 summer season, with a record lineup of 70 vendors and a slate of new features to draw in crowds each weekend until October 18.

Since its modest debut in 2022 with just 20 vendors, the Stouffville Market has grown steadily in size and popularity. It reached 45 vendors in 2023 and 64 vendors in 2024, and now welcomes an average of nearly 2,000 visitors every Saturday.

The market’s success is largely thanks to the efforts and perseverance of organizer Susan Tucker, who coordinates the event at no profit. She spoke with Bullet Point News ahead of the new season.

“This town needs its own market, and it has been proven that Stouffville can support a larger-scale market. The community and our vendors love it,” Tucker said. “This will be our fourth year running the Stouffville Market, or the fifth season if you include this year’s Winter Market.”

The 2025 season will offer a vibrant mix of returning and first-time vendors, from authors and bakers to fitness instructors, brewmasters, and tech repair specialists. “There are too many to name,” Tucker said.

Fan favourites such as Muddy York Brewing Co., Alanna’s Kitchen, Claremont Meadows, EFT Farms, Treats by Nonna Mary, and Murphy’s Own Dog Treats are back again. New additions include Mr. Teesecakes, known for cheesecakes in a jar; Acenet Wireless, offering cell phone and computer sales and repairs; Green Buffalo Farms and their fresh microgreens; and Wela’s Kitchen, which serves empanadas, churros, and other treats.

Opening day will feature a Mother’s Day celebration, including a red carpet experience for moms and complimentary mini bouquets for the first 60 mothers, generously donated by Market supporter Brian Chung. A number of vendors will also offer Mother’s Day specials, and early visitors can enjoy free cookies and coffee courtesy of the Market.

A patriotic twist is also coming this year. In response to ongoing U.S. tariffs and annexation rhetoric, a new contest is being launched to encourage support for Canadian businesses. Shoppers can pick up an “Eat. Shop. Explore” Canadian flag sticker, place it on their car bumper, and, if spotted around town, be entered into a draw for a $50 Market gift certificate. More details are available on the Stouffville Market Instagram account.

Beyond its appeal to shoppers, the Market has become a hub of connection among vendors. Tucker said she takes particular pride in the sense of camaraderie that has emerged behind the booths.

“I discovered last year that some of the vendors who met at the market put together their own vendor chat group, and they continue to add new members to communicate and collaborate,” she said, noting that friendships are being formed each week. “They keep in touch with each other, meet up at other markets, and use those connections to improve their business.”

The indoor Winter Market took place monthly from January through April this year and saw overwhelming turnout. Nearly 75 percent of participating vendors returned from previous summer seasons, which Tucker says further highlights Market successes. “The community turnout was also solid, and I hope to do the Winter Market again next year,” she said.

As the Market prepares to welcome thousands of visitors this summer, Tucker remains focused on building something bigger than just a Saturday shopping event. Her rental of the 6240 Main St. parking lot provides the opportunity for further expansion, should there be enough additional vendors to fill the space.

“We have the whole back parking lot, and we could absolutely expand,” she explained. “But access to that area bottlenecks, so we need to make vendors in that area more visible to encourage people to head back there.” She expects more of that space will be needed this season.

The Market strives to build a space where small businesses can thrive and the town can come together week after week. A recent social media call for volunteers was well received, and the event is continuing to grow its support base. Those interested in joining the volunteer list can email thestouffvillemarket@gmail.com.

Cover photo taken by Audra Bradbury