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Farmers' market still strong

Alberta’s economic decline hasn’t impacted the largest farmers’ market in the Foothills, according to manager and vendors at the Millarville Farmer’s Market. Attendance and sales remained steady at the market last summer despite the lagging economy.

Alberta’s economic decline hasn’t impacted the largest farmers’ market in the Foothills, according to manager and vendors at the Millarville Farmer’s Market.

Attendance and sales remained steady at the market last summer despite the lagging economy. The expectation is the popularity of the market will continue when the gate opens for the season June 18.

“Last year I thought it was going to be not very good because of the economy and actually the Christmas market that happens in November was the best Christmas market I’ve ever done in 24 years,” said Janet Big Smoke, owner of Arsumber Natural Crafts. “I’m looking forward to the season opening up and getting things going.”

The Turner Valley entrepreneur, who sells candied applies, cotton candy, buttered popcorn and jewelry at the market, returns year after year for the country atmosphere and the fact the market supports local producers and crafters.

“I really promote the ‘shop local’ and the organic local produce,” she said. “There is a lot of huge food chains and I like to see the small vendors be successful.

Big Smoke finds both her city and rural customers attend the market for the country feel and quality products.

“They want the organic produce,” she said. “They want things homemade. It’s just like a small community. I think that draws people as well.”

Business at the market is strong for jewelry maker Linda Catt, who has been a vendor for seven of the eight years her business has been in operation.

“I actually have found it to be fairly steady for me,” she said. “I’m out there every weekend and I’m also in the Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond. Overall my business has grown. I’ve been putting a lot of work and time into it.”

The owner of Cat’s Eye Jewelry Design, who creates bracelets, necklaces and earrings using semi-precious stones, sterling silver, copper and brass, said she’s been changing things up in response to the shaky economic situation.

“You have to be more and more creative to attract various customers in that you have to have a variety of price points and a variety of different looks,” she said.

“Every year I like to do something new with my jewelry like new stones or new styles.”

Like Big Smoke, Catt returns to the market for the atmosphere.

“It’s the people wandering by, it’s the sunshine on a nice day, it’s the music in the background, it’s people having fun, kids laughing and playing,” she said. “Everyone has got a smile on their face and it’s a good atmosphere.”

Market manager Melonie McKee said the number of people attending the market has remained at around 45,000 people for the 17 Saturdays it operates during the last five years.

“Even last year with the downturn of the economy it stayed relatively the same,” she said. “We were kind of worried about the Christmas market, thinking it would hurt us, but we had a record 22,000 people in three days and all of our vendors sold out.”

McKee attributes the success to that fact that 91 per cent of the market’s 220 vendors make, bake and grow their own products locally and the atmosphere.

“It’s just a great family destination and it doesn’t cost a lot of money,” she said. “You can still come here and hang out and have lunch and buy groceries for the year.”

Changes to the market this year include opening 10 stalls previously used for horses as vendor stations, which will feature food, metal works and a wooden toymaker, said McKee.

“We haven’t added any for a long time,” she said. “We just didn’t have the space.”

The market is also implementing the Kids Kash rewards program, which encourages children ages 4 to 12 to spend a minimum of $2 at participating vendors that sell fruit, vegetables and meat with the opportunity to win prizes.

Children’s games will take place throughout the grounds each Saturday and children’s yoga will be offered on occasion, said McKee.

The Millarville Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from June 18 to Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Millarville Race Track northeast of Millarville.

Admission is $3 per vehicle.

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