INNISFAIL – Tuesday afternoons on the historical block of Main Street are less busy this summer.
The streets between 50th and 51st avenues are no longer blocked off between 3 and 7 p.m.
Since 2020, Market On Main was held there every Tuesday afternoon with a dozen or more vendors with fresh fruit, vegetables, baking, crafts and big smiles.
But this year there’s a new location for Market On Main. It’s outside the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104 every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. It will run until the end of September.
In 2020, Market On Main was launched in partnership between the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Innisfail as a four-week pilot project for the summer.
Market On Main then ran for the next two years but big changes came for the 2023 season, as well as for Thursday’s longstanding Innisfail Farmers Market that was held Thursdays at the Innisfail Twin Arena.
Chamber president Blaine Staples said the venue change for Tuesday’s Market On Main was made because some businesses were not in favour of the outdoor, blocked-off street concept.
“They felt it blocked off some of their traffic and people weren't able to park as close to the businesses during that market time,” said Staples. “There were some issues with keeping the street open for fire access and emergency vehicles.
“In conjunction with the town, we looked around and came up with the location at the legion as being a little easier for people to park and attend the market, and it wouldn't be interfering with parking for other businesses,” he added, noting the new outdoor location is behind the legion next to Legion Picnic Park. “It is a great location. There's a green space with picnic tables right there. The legion is really in favour of it, so it’s a win all around.”
The new Market On Main will be managed by Rose Hartwin. She's been hired by the chamber to boost the fortunes of the new outdoor legion venue, with an option to have it inside if weather became an issue.
Hartwin arrives with experience as she also manages markets in Bowden and Okotoks.
She said since the new Market On Main began on June 13 it has seen an average of 30 spaces taken by local and regional vendors on market days, about double the numbers of its predecessor.
“Innisfail is a fabulous community. We have lots of people coming out,” said Hartwin, noting the market has live music and entertainment, along with plans for children’s activities and buskers, to go along with fresh produce and baked goods. “This market has such amazing potential for the community to gather and connect and contribute to building a community we’re all proud to be a part of and call home.”
As for the Innisfail Farmers Market that has long been hosted by the Innisfail & District Agriculture Society (IDAS) at the Innisfail Twin Arena on Thursdays, it has also been moved to the Innisfail legion, but in the institution's auditorium.
Staples said issues around COVID and declining volunteer support compelled the chamber to take it over in 2022, giving the chamber responsibility for both local markets.
However, a member of IDAS approached the chamber before the start of this season requesting the market be returned.
“So yes, it has come full circle and gone back to the ag society,” said Staples.
But beginning this year, from May 18 to Sept. 28, the Innisfail Farmers Market is being held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the legion’s auditorium.
“We're told both markets are very successful,” said Staples. “I really encourage people to come out and support these markets. We’ve got live music. There’s a lot of fun. There are good products there.
“I think farmers markets got a reputation for being higher priced,” he said. “But now that grocery prices have come up so much I think you'll find farmers market offerings aren't out of line anymore.”
