The Good Harvest Market returned on September 14th, and it was a big one! This event brought together community members from across Thunder Bay to celebrate the local harvest season. With more than 2,500 people attending, it was the largest market yet and a great reminder of how much excitement there is in Thunder Bay around local food, farmers, and the fall harvest season.
FAN-NWO was glad to be a hosting sponsor alongside Goods & Co. Market and to spend the day chatting with folks from across the community. Our booths became a bit of a gathering spot, with buttons being made, games being played, and lots of conversations unfolding about food access, school food, local farming, and what people are hoping to see more of in our local food system.
One of the highlights was sharing locally grown watermelon and heirloom purple carrots, which were both a delicious way to cool down on a sunny fall day and a great conversation starter. The watermelons are part of an ongoing project working to develop short-season, climate-adapted varieties that can thrive in Northwestern Ontario. Between bites, we talked seed saving, seed sovereignty, and why keeping seeds in community matters.
We also heard lots of thoughtful questions and feedback throughout the day – from parents curious about school food programs to gardeners excited about local seed work. These kinds of public, open spaces are an important part of building stronger, more connected food systems, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to stop by and share their thoughts.
Thanks to the generosity of market-goers, we also raised over $600 to support ongoing local food systems work. Huge thanks to everyone who visited, donated, and helped make the day such a success. We’re already looking forward to the next chance to gather, share food, and keep these conversations going.
