YORKTON – What began as an effort to make use of a unique landmark along Highway 10 has evolved into a growing destination for local vendors, artisans and shoppers.
The Clocktower Market, located at Fleur on The Farm just north of Yorkton, is entering its second season and attracting visitors travelling between Yorkton and the area's lakes.
"We decided to make the market Sundays. We get people coming back from the lakes and heading home for the evening, and we get truckers and travellers stopping in too,"said Fleur on The Farm owner and operator Jenn Sheils.
The outdoor market is held on the property surrounding the site's distinctive clock tower, a structure built by a previous owner and now serving as a recognizable landmark along the highway.
After purchasing the property, Sheils and her husband spent considerable time preparing the grounds for vendors.
"We had to trim trees, control weeds and get everything cleaned up," she said. "The land out there ended up being absolutely perfect for vendors."
The market's circular layout allows vendors to set up around a looped driveway shaded by mature trees.
This year, the market has hosted more than 30 vendors, selling everything from handcrafted goods and artwork to food and locally grown produce.
As a vendor herself, Sheils said creating an affordable venue for small businesses was a key goal.
"I've done so many trade shows over the years, and I know how important it is to keep costs down," she said. "I really wanted to give people a venue."
Vendor spaces are currently offered for $25, a rate Sheils said is intended to make the market accessible for small-scale entrepreneurs and makers.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.
"One lady told me she would never do another trade show again," Sheils said. "Then after helping her friend at our market, she told me she was booking a booth for the next one."
The market is hosted by Fleur on The Farm, a locally owned skincare and wellness business operated by Sheils.
Although the business became fully professionalized and trademarked about five years ago, its roots stretch back much further.
Raised on a family farm near Unity, Sheils developed an interest in traditional homemade products and skills that had been passed down through generations.
As an adult, she began creating soaps and skincare products for family and friends before turning the hobby into a business.
Today, Fleur on The Farm offers a wide variety of products through its online store and home-based shop, including soaps, lotions, bath products, shampoos and skincare collections.
Many of the products incorporate Saskatchewan-grown oats supplied through local agricultural connections.
"I use Saskatchewan oats in as much as I possibly can," she said. "People really like knowing where ingredients come from."
One of her most popular product lines uses apricot kernel oil as a base.
"It's one of my biggest sellers," Sheils said. "It's highly moisturizing and people really love it."
While expanding the business, Sheils has continued looking for ways to bring people together on the property.
In addition to the market, she hopes to eventually create indoor shopping spaces, host groups and even offer photo opportunities for visitors.
"People come out and shop, then they'll sit on the deck with coffee or tea and visit for a while," she said. "That's really what we want. We want it to be a place people enjoy spending time."
The next Clocktower Market is scheduled for Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information about upcoming markets can be found through the Fleur on The Farm Facebook page, where dates, times and vendor updates are regularly posted.
As the market continues to grow, Sheils hopes it will remain a place where local entrepreneurs can showcase their products while creating a welcoming community gathering spot just outside Yorkton.
"We're still learning and growing," she said. "But it's been amazing seeing people come together and support local businesses."
