This news story was written for the High River Times that has been published in their weekly edition on August 2, 2024!
Weekly Farmer's market brings fresh produce and community together
Every Thursday evening from 3:30- 6:30 p.m., downtown High River transforms into a bustling hub of activity as the weekly farmers market sets up.
Local vendors gather to showcase their fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats. The market has become a beloved tradition for residents, providing a vibrant space to shop, socialize and support local businesses. The market starts in June and goes through September.
The High River farmers market is a registered Alberta Farmers market for the past ten years and the main objective of the market is a fundraiser and an opportunity for the folks who are participating in the program.
The market features a variety of stalls with a minimum of 30 stalls set up every week. Shoppers can find a lovely selection of everything from fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, a lot of baked goodies, jewellery, preserves, homemade jams, handmade cribbage boards, popcorn, cotton candy and a lot more.
This week the market experienced unexpected rain and a total of 18 vendors showed up. The market also features live DJ, adding to the vibe and welcomes everybody.
The market highlights a sense of community engagement and employment in fosters. For those willing to participate can fill in the application form through their website.
"The goal for our participants is to have meaningful, rewarding employment and the chance to connect with the community," said Kelly Smit, Opportunities Coordinator at Inclusion Foothills.
The members of the market make sure that they just aren't saturated with any one product. They require 80% of the vendors that are local to the communities, local to Alberta.
"So they make it, bake it, or they grow it in Alberta. So we make sure that that's a nice way to highlight some of our local producers for sure," said Smit.
The market has witnessed a consistent number of vendors who are present every week which is lovely because people know to look for them.
The market hopes to see growth as it continues between two markets, Okotoks and High River. This being the first year, Okotoks has organized the weekly farmer's market.
According to Smit, "It is nice to have both markets that we cab help the vendors to come to both events."
The best part is seeing the community out on the streets. It's delightful to have people strolling and it is also a great opportunity for first time vendors to be curious and to engage with fellow vendors who've been doing it for a while.
The weekly farmers market is more than just a shopping destination. It is celebration of local culture that supports small businesses. It remains a cherished part of the community while bringing people together.
