The Minto Farmers’ Market is getting ready to celebrate the start of summer with one of its most popular events of the season.
The annual Strawberry Social will take place Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Palmerston Railway Museum, bringing together more than 30 vendors for a morning of shopping, entertainment, and family activities.
The event will feature regular Minto Farmers’ Market vendors alongside guests from the Minto Makers' Market, offering visitors a wide variety of locally grown produce, baked goods, artisan creations, handcrafted products, and more. Live music from Palmerston resident Ebbony Moroz is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Fresh strawberry shortcake will be available for $5 a slice, with proceeds supporting the market. Organizers say the dessert will feature local ingredients and contributions from Glenlee Gardens and Full Circle Farms.
Families can also take part in the Berry Big Strawberry Hunt, a scavenger hunt that challenges children to find hidden strawberries throughout the market, solve a secret word, and compete for prizes and a locally sourced treat basket.
Free mini train rides will also be offered, weather permitting, while coffee and lemonade will be available by donation thanks to sponsorship support from GoWylde Real Estate and Wrighthaven Homes.
Market Manager Erin Raftis says the Strawberry Social has become a highlight of the market season.
"The Strawberry Social is one of our favourite market days of the year," said Raftis. "It's a chance to celebrate local food, support local vendors, and enjoy a fun morning with family and friends in one of Minto's most unique community spaces."
Visitors are encouraged to wear red to the event. Anyone dressed in red will receive an extra entry into a prize draw featuring products and treats donated by participating vendors.
Raftis notes the Strawberry Social is just one part of a busy day in Palmerston.
"After the event, visitors are welcome to stick around the museum from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to enjoy a blacksmithing demonstration hosted by the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum," she said. "Then from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., those age of majority can stop by the Lions Park Pavilion for the annual Railway Festival, hosted by All Aboard Palmerston."
Admission to the Strawberry Social is free and organizers say everyone is welcome.
