Farmers’


Markets are the bees knees in southern Alberta


BY STAN ASHBEE insight magazine


Buying local is first and foremost at farmers’markets


across southern Alberta, the province and from coast to coast. Many communities put on farmers’markets in the summer and early fall months featuring the best of fresh — locally grown and homemade.Today, locally- roasted coffees, craft beers and wines are also sold at markets. It is good for both the local economy and for local farms, bakers, creators, etc. to showcase their wares and wonders and for the consumer to buy something close to home. Exhibition Park in Lethbridge, features the only two


sanctioned Alberta Farmers’Markets in Lethbridge — the Farmers’Market at Exhibition Park and in down- town Lethbridge.The Saturday market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 26.The downtown Wednesday market opens July 3 and runs from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. until Sept. 4.Other cities and communities throughout southern Alberta host their own farmers’markets throughout the year. “I think they bring a community together. It’s your local people, it’s your friends and it’s your neighbours,”


said Lisa Ludwig, Exhibition Park event co-ordinator. Farmers’markets offer products made, baked or


grown — which means customers can find crafts, fresh fruit and vegetables,homemade baking, art work, handmade clothing and much more.The Saturday market is the largest of its kind in southern Alberta and is rated as one of the Top 10 Best Farmers’Markets in Alberta. “It’s been a really good season, so far. It’s been fan-


tastic.The traffic that has come through these first three markets have been just outstandingly busy. We’ve never been busy for the first markets, so it’s great,”Ludwig noted at the end of May. As for the downtown market opening in July,


Ludwig explained the market needs more handmade vendors to make the Wednesday market a success. Handmade vendors can contact Ludwig at lisa@exhibi- tionpark.ca. Especially nowadays, Ludwig said, buying local is so


important. “Because you’re showing your support for the small business owners.You’re showing your support for your neighbours and your friends.” “You’re actually putting your money back into the


community when you buy local,”she added. Many communities put on farmers’markets and


craft shows that coincide with special events, including parades and celebrations.At one time, communities would have fairs and local vendors would sell their best of the best. Fairs, also at one time,would hold bench exhibits — where a farmer’s items were judged in different categories, which might include a ribbon for biggest pumpkin. A good way to find out about local farmers’markets in southern Alberta communities is to visit community websites, calendar of events, and/or social media plat- forms including Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.


insight magazine june 2019 - 9


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