The Ancaster Farmers' Market has a new look and a new location for its eleventh year.

The market has transitioned to an online format starting June 17, with customers ordering their goods. They can pick up their packages starting June 24 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds on Trinity Road.

People can place their orders at the Ancaster Farmers' Market website, shopancasterfarmersmarket.com, said market manager Cindy Hawryluk.

The public can place orders from the Thursday to the Monday prior to picking up their goods the following Wednesday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Pickup times will be based on surname, said Hawryluk.

The farmers' market had been scheduled to open in early June, at 37 Halson Street, and continue every Wednesday until October, before the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down.

Hawryluk said she has been discussing how to operate a farmers' market during a pandemic with the Ancaster BIA, the City of Hamilton’s public health organization and local businesses, while also providing a healthy and safe environment for customers and vendors.

“Even though this year the market is outside of the BIA boundaries, we are thrilled to offer the first-ever curbside pickup farmers' market to service our community as we support our vendors and farmers,” said Melissa Sander, Ancaster BIA's chair.

The market, which has been located behind St John’s Anglican Church for the last decade, wasn’t allowed to hold its weekly Wednesday afternoon gathering because the Anglican Diocese of Niagara decided to close all in-person gatherings on its properties until September.

Reverend Canon Joseph Asselin said the church’s decision was based upon the health and safety concerns of residents.

“This is a disappointment to everyone, but we look forward to its return in 2021 with even more vitality,” said Asselin.

The market will have over 25 vendors for the summer season, instead of the usual 40-plus vendors. This season’s vendors will include a collection of returning and new operators, said Hawryluk.

For more information and updates, the public is encouraged to check out the market’s website and social media outlets.