Fresh produce, delectable baking and handcrafted wares will fill tables in a century-old tradition that’s still going strong.
The Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society is showcasing the region’s farmers, ranchers, orchard owners, crafts people, small business owners and artisans in its 108th annual farmers’ market starting June 13.
The market, located at the Millarville Race Track north of Millarville, will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 10.
“It’s been here for generations,” said market manager Melonie McKee. “We’re just keeping the tradition alive.”
McKee is tasked with selecting the vendors each year. This year’s 150 to 160 vendors will sell wares from fruit and pork to pottery and paintings.
The Millarville Farmers’ Market, one of the largest in southern Alberta, is an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market, which means at least 80 per cent of the wares are made, baked and grown in Alberta.
The remaining vendors are allowable imports, most of which is taken up by fruit trucks, said McKee.
“It’s about keeping it local and giving your local artisans a chance to show their wares here,” she said. “It opens the door for more food artisans, as well as being able to sell food at an approved market.”
What’s unique about a farmers’ market is that shoppers can actually learn about the product they are buying, said McKee.
“They’re able to meet the baker, maker and grower and find out how things are made, where they come from and the stories behind the vendors,” she said. “They can enjoy a nice drive on the way out, come and spend the day with family and find out where their yummy fruits and veggies are coming from.”
The farmers’ market will be held in conjunction with several events throughout the summer.
The first event is the Millarville Half Marathon, which begins in Black Diamond and brings more than 800 athletes to the finish line at the farmers’ market on its opening day.
The 110th annual Running of the Millarville Races takes place on Canada Day, featuring various racing events, the Millarville Musical Ride, a mini market and children’s activities.
The annual Millarville Rodeo takes place from July 24 to 26 featuring rodeo events, live music, dancing and family entertainment.
The most popular event of the season is the annual Millarville & Priddis Fair on Aug. 15, which features exhibitors, contests, auctions and children’s activities. Last year’s fair brought 5,000 people to the market for the day, McKee said.
The market also has live entertainment and buskers throughout the season.
“We’re just adding things to it every year, changing it up a little to keep everyone interested,” she said.
New to the farmers’ market this season is concession operator Ginni Kelley, of Okotoks, who operated the concession at the Oilfields Regional Arena last season and began her own cooking school in Black Diamond.
Kelley is known for her homemade meals that expand beyond the typical hot dogs and hamburgers, while tapping into her East Indian heritage.
One of the more unique events at the Millarville Farmers’ Market is a raffle featuring an unusual item. Last year a two-seater outhouse was up for auction, this year a life-sized horse from the set of the television series Heartland is up for grabs, said McKee.
For more information about the Millarville Farmers’ Market go to millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/farmers-market/ The cost to enter the market is $3 per vehicle.
