Members of a non-profit organization are optimistic outdoor market will help revive what was once the hub of Turner Valley.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Royal Canadian Legion Turner Valley Branch members were forced to cancel all activities from its holiday children’s parties to poker night - events that had brought the community together under one roof for decades.
With Alberta Health Services restrictions remaining in effect for indoor gatherings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic until July 1, first vice-president Linda Macaulay is hopeful the Sunday market will get the legion bustling with activity once again while giving a financial boost to the non-profit organization.
“It’s going to help us raise money to keep the facility going,” said Macaulay. “We’ve got the salaries covered with the wage subsidy so we’ve never had to layoff anybody and we keep getting grants to keep us open. We still have our head above water, but the sooner we get to Stage 3 the happier we will be.”
It was legion cook Mike Vance who came up with the idea of hosting a summer market.
Vance said he and his wife Robbin have been selling their homemade Tasteful Essentials hot sauce, barbecue sauce and salsas, as well as cutting boards and other wooden products they’ve built through their business Majestic Woodworks, at farmers’ markets for 15 years.
“We just noticed that there’s nothing for markets in Turner Valley or area besides Millarville, and that’s on Saturdays,” he said. “There’s nothing happening on Sundays. It’s something that will make some more money for the legion.”
The market, which kicked off on June 6, has about 30 vendors selling a variety of homemade wares and locally prepared and baked foods, said Macaulay.
“We’ve got preserves, homemade masks, honey, crafts and fly-fishing lures,” she said.
The market is located in the legion parking lot and operates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Sept. 26.
Unlike past years, the legion will remain open throughout the summer. Macaulay said the facility typically closes in August to reduce operating costs and allow time for any upgrades and renovation work, but members are relying on community support this summer to keep the facility operating.
“We can’t afford to close in August like we normally do,” she said. “We need the revenue.”
Macaulay said the Turner Valley legion has always received the support of veterans and residents.
“It’s the community hub in Turner Valley,” she said. “We are fully supported by the people in Black Diamond and Turner Valley. They are wonderful and we are grateful. Even though we’ve been closed people still wanted to come in and have a hamburger and fries or a warm coffee.”
Those attending the market will be required to follow Alberta Health Services' protocols surrounding COVID-19 including sanitizing their hands before entering and maintaining a distance of six feet from others with a limit of two customers per booth. Vendors are required to wear masks. Changes to protocols will take effect on Canada Day.
