December 13, 2024 Stratford Times MERRY —& ees NEW YEAR ; “May an ond Your Family re Have a Safe & Very Merry _ Christmas and a Happy -The Brenneman’s CHRISTMAS HOURS 2024 _ Stratford and New Hamburg D. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m, - 1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. “Merry Christmas” Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m, - Closed Tuesday, Dec, 24 Wednesday, Dec. 25 Thursday, Dec. 26 Friday, Dec. 27 | Saturday, Dec. BO Sunday, Dec. 29 ‘Monday, Dec, 30 Tuesday, Dec. 31 Weehnesday, Jan.1 Closed 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 2: eer ~ Closed . Expressway Motors Ltd. eae c Service Builds Sales" NEWHAMBURG STRATFORD Sales & Service: Sales & Service: | — 662-3900 (519) 271-3900 | Parts: Parts: (519) 662-1523 (519) 662-1523 1554 Haysville Rd. 751 Erie St. New Hamburg, ON Stratford, ON After 28 years, Susan and fan Hamilton are leaving the Stratford Farmers’ Market GARY WEST Times Correspondent One of the Stratford Farmers’ Market’s longtime vendors that has been part of the market for 28 years will no longer be a weekly presence at the Burnside Agri- plex. Susan and Ian Hamilton, owners of Su- san‘s Knitting, say that while it has been fun, they have decided to call it quits at the market. Their final day will be at the last market of 2024, which is Dec. 21. Susan and Ian Hamilton say they start- ed in 1997 at the bingo hall on the old fairgrounds where the Stratford Farmers’ Market was originally. They said they were glad when the mar- ket moved over to the new Burnside Agri- plex, which was warmer and more cozy for patrons, especially in the winter. Over the years, they have met a lot of in- teresting people, made long-term friends and have become a small family with the other market vendors. THREE DECADES SUSAN'S. KNITTING Susan Hamilton has said her knitting has gone to places like England, Germa- yy, Dubai, Latvia, Washington D.C., all parts of Canada east and west, as well as to many locals in the surrounding area in Perth County and Stratford. She says since the beginning 28 years ago, there are only three original vendors still at the market as many have come and Items that she still sells and knits in- clude baby blankets, hats and scarves, Barbie-doll outfits, hand towels, armchair slips and many other items. Susan and Ian Hamilton say they will continue to make and sell items out of their home and, if interested in purchas- ing any knitted or handmade items, call 519-271-1036. The couple says it is with mixed feel- ings to be leaving the market, but they would like to thank everyone for their support over close to three decades, and hope to carry on serving the public from their home in Stratford. (GARY WEST PHOTO) Longtime market vendors Susan and lan Hamilton have announced they will be retiring after 28 years at the Stratford Farmers’ Market with their last day being Saturday, Dec. 21.