“Last year we handed out $120,000 to local organizations such as breakfast clubs, guide dog schools, youth clubs and hospitals. They all depend on us,” said Castellino.

About a year ago, the Lions were notified the parking lot space beside Coliseum Mississauga on Rathburn Rd., which they had used the past three years on a five-year agreement, would not be available this summer.

That left Castellino, once again, scrambling to find a new site.

“We had absolutely nowhere to go,” he said. “For two months I hunted all over the place. I harassed everybody. I must have looked at every possible site for three miles around Square One.”

Castellino finally stumbled upon a small parking lot at 3 Robert Speck Pkwy., owned by Desjardins General Insurance, that seemed suitable. Colliers International, which manages the property, was immediately supportive.

“We are very grateful to Colliers and Desjardins for donating the space. I hope we’re here for a very long time,” he said.

Still, Castellino was a bit worried since the site, several blocks away from Square One, was not as central, or visible to passing traffic, as previously. Also, it was not available on Fridays, which limited the market for the first time to a single day a week.

“At first, it didn’t seem like the most ideal place, but we’ve been absolutely packed since we opened three weekends ago,” said Castellino.

He can thank the cadre of loyal farmers and customers who return to the market year after year, some for decades.

Kim Alexander’s family, for instance, has patronized the market for 31 years. Alexander herself has been going for 15 years.

The City Centre resident was so perturbed when it was relocated yet once again this summer, she contacted mall officials to express her concern.

“I support local farmers and I get to see who grows our food,” she said.

Up to 40 farmers and vendors from across Ontario make the trek to Mississauga each summer for the market. They bring with them some of the province’s freshest fruit and vegetables, as well as homemade preserves and condiments, baked goods, seedlings, herbs and fresh flowers.

Customers, more than a thousand each day, hail from as far away as Hamilton, Georgetown and Scarborough.

The market is open Sundays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3 Robert Speck Pkwy. and, beginning July 23, Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Celebration Square.