Christine Whelan, FEO, October 1, 2026, Volume 8, Issue 2

Becky DiBiase, Ridgeway Market manager, is focused on wrapping up her third season in this role through this event.

“The Harvest Market is the final market of the season, held on Thanksgiving weekend,” she stated. “This is how we like to finish the season.”

While she manages all things Ridgeway Farmers’ Market, when it comes to downtown Ridgeway events, her role sometimes overlaps to assist with BIA events, and vice versa. Becky says she also has help from others, creating a team effort.

New Name to Reflect the Event

Residents might remember the event as Fall Fest. The last year it was held was 2024. The event was skipped in 2025. This year, the event returns under a new name.

The market manager said the team wanted to change the name to reflect a cozy, family-focused community event. Fall Fest was compared to the annual summer Ridgefest, and a larger event was expected.

On October 10, Ridge Road will not be closed. The Harvest Market will be held in the usual Farmers’ Market space in the parking lot of Trailside Bar and Grill, as well as across the road in the Village Square.

Vendors

Becky described the autumn event as an amplified market. “Our regular breakfast options, including breakfast sandwiches and croissants, will be available. We’ll have two food trucks, new additions to the Ridgeway autumn event. We’ll have a harvest-themed breakfast poutine, and for lunch, a selection of sandwiches and Mexican food, such as tacos. There will be coffee, regular and specialty, as well as water and pop.”

“The vendors will be encouraged to decorate their tables and bring as much autumn into their products as possible,” Becky enticed. “The baked goods range from gluten-free to cookies stuffed with a variety of fillings to a variety of pies.”

Fall Vendors

“We have additional outside vendors coming.” The market manager explained the seasonal shift. “What generally happens this time of year is that the farmers will run out of produce for the last market of the season. Some of them are done. Some of them will have produce right until the end.”

What is grown will determine what is available in October. She said it’s also hard to predict because the weather dictates how each year’s crops will turn out and when.

As with all events, the vendor list can be fluid until closer to the date, so it is always subject to change.

Becky assured that she knows how to fill spaces with other fun and creative vendors. “People will now be thinking about gifts, even for Christmas. Some people like to begin their Christmas shopping this weekend.”

According to DiBiase, some people like to stock up on their favourite items before the market season ends. “They stock up on soaps, candles and small items that store well.”

A few vendors are still needed. “I’m looking for local businesses that don’t duplicate what we already have.” This expands what is available at the market.

Activities and Music

“We’re bringing back the bouquet-making table. There’ll be freshly cut flowers for people to pick from and arrange as they like, creating a nice gift to bring to a Thanksgiving gathering.”

There will be pumpkin decorating, a selfie area with hay, kids’ games, and a face painter.

“Jim Farigalli, one of the local buskers, is always at the Farmers’ Market. He’ll be there for part of the day. Then I have another busker, Starla Sylvestri, who’s new to the market this year.”

It’s going to be a busy weekend in the community, with Thanksgiving dinners, the 22nd Annual Crystal Beach 5K, and seasonal yard work. Amid personal and family plans, Becky invites everyone to “Come get your flowers, baked goods, specialty foods, and gifts. Come stock up on favourites and enjoy some family, small-town fun on Saturday, October 10: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Ridgeway Farmers’ Market.”

• Photos from Fall Fest 2024 provided by Becky DiBiase