My second-ever market was the Niagara Butter Tart Festival, and it felt like stepping into a much bigger world of vendor markets.

This two-day festival took place at the Niagara Fairgrounds and was organized by All Canadian Events. And the wild part? I actually won my booth space through an Instagram giveaway.

When I got the congrats message on IG, I was genuinely shocked — and so grateful. As a newer vendor, having a free market opportunity felt like such a gift.

Financially, I didn’t make anywhere close to what the booth fee normally would have been (which made me even more thankful I had won the spot). There were still travel costs — it’s about a 1.5-hour drive toward Niagara — but the experience itself was incredibly valuable.

What made this market so impactful wasn’t the sales.

It was the conversations and connections made.

Because this was my second market, I was still very new and asking a lot of questions. I spoke with several experienced vendors who shared tips about all things vendor markets!

It was actually through these conversations that multiple vendors suggested I apply to Paris Night Market, another event run by All Canadian Events.

And I did! Aaaaand I got accepted!

You can read about how that one went here → My Experience at Paris Night Market

The Niagara Butter Tart Festival didn’t bring in the numbers for me, but it brought something else important: community, advice, and direction.

Each Ontario market teaches me something new. Even the ones that aren’t profitable are shaping how I approach the next one.

And that, to me, is part of the journey.