One of the true signs of the season is upon us in the Foothills.
Three of the most popular destinations for fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts and small business showcases are set to open this weekend as farmers’ market season has arrived in the Foothills.
The move to the next stage of the reopening, which could occur as soon as the end of the month if Alberta hits the 70 per cent vaccination of eligible population mark in the coming days, could have a have impact on the largest outdoor market in southern Alberta.
Due to restrictions, the Millarville Farmers’ Market has roughly 90 vendors at the moment with the demand to bring in 170 vendors once regulations allow it.
“They are really excited,” said Melonie McKee, Millarville Farmers’ Market and Events manager. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t accept everybody off the hop here, but hopefully in the next couple weeks we’ll be able to let them know we can fill some more spaces.
“We have a very long wait-list of vendors to get in.”
While Alberta is in Stage 2 of its reopening, the market will still have COVID-19 restrictions in place which will mirror the set-up seen by visitors in 2020.
One addition to start the 2021 season is the re-introduction of live music.
“It will look a lot like it did last year with six feet in between each vendor and one-way flow coming in and out of the market,” McKee said. “Hand washing stations, hand sanitizer, masks are strongly encouraged. That will all be in until Stage 3.
“And depending on what Stage 3 looks like, if there are no restrictions then we will be able to go back to a relatively full and normal market.”
McKee said the feedback on the 2020 market was excellent, noting the movement to support local businesses really helped the market vendors.
"The people felt safe coming in there and that it wasn’t crowded, we did have limits on how many people were in the ground at any given time so there was plenty of space to social distance,” she said.
“The feedback was really good, same with the Christmas Market with the timed-entry, people really liked that too. It all worked out and we learned a few things.”
The market runs every Saturday from June 19 to Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation of $3.
The Okotoks Farmers’ Market opens on June 18 and will run every Friday until Oct. 1 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The market is located just north of Okotoks off Highway 2A at 322041 15 St E in Foothills County.
Back for its second season is the popular Elks Farmers’ Market in downtown Okotoks.
The inaugural season saw over 40 different vendors at the indoor and outdoor market, at the Okotoks Elks Hall on Elizabeth Street, held every Saturday from July 4 to October 10.
They hope to carry that momentum into year two with markets every Saturday from June 19 to Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Our plans so far, it’s been a little difficult with the COVID restrictions, but we are planning on continuing the market (success) and we have a bunch of new vendors,” said Brandi McKenzie, the Elks Farmers’ Market manager. “Unfortunately, some of the vendors from last year weren’t able to commit to this year as well.
“It’s shaping up to be an alright season.”
McKenzie encourages shoppers to check out the market which should have a variation of unique vendors on any given weekend along with its staple vendors.
“For me, I’m just hoping that we get lots of foot traffic and nothing goes terribly awry,” said McKenzie with a laugh. “And everyone who comes down has fun and hopefully it will help the other businesses within the River District with their business as well.
“That it’s a whole community experience.”
