INNISFAIL – With December just around the corner, the Innisfail Christmas Farmers Market is ready to welcome shoppers as they prepare for the upcoming holiday season.
The annual market takes place Nov. 16 and 17 at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion. Friday’s market runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’ve been totally booked probably since the first of October,” said Ira Bowes, manager of the Innisfail Farmers Market. “I think we have 50 tables.
“I’ve probably had to turn away about 20 or more vendors this year,” he added.
Market vendors from across Alberta, including those from Penhold, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Bowden, Olds and Innisfail, come out to sell a variety of items such as home-baked goods, crafts, clothing, toys, woodworking, home decor and specialty foods.
“We actually have folks that come from Edmonton and Calgary and anywhere in between,” said Bowes. “We’re close to Red Deer, so we get a lot of Red Deer folks too.
“Anyone who’s never been here, I think they’d come and see something that is worthwhile,” he added. “There’s always something entertaining going on.”
He noted the variety of items available for shoppers at the Christmas market, adding the two-day event has been an Innisfail tradition for many years and helps shoppers with an early start to their Christmas shopping.
“There will be the traditional (items) like jewelry, baking, clothworks, ladies who do quilting and sewing with all kinds of different materials and there will be local wood carving,” said Bowes. “There are a lot of folks who have items especially for stocking stuffers or small gifts.”
Bowes said they welcome individuals and families to the Christmas market, adding it is something the entire family can enjoy.
“We’ve had it for many years and I expect it to continue (indefinitely),” said Bowes. “Kids certainly are welcome. Most of them bring their (parents) and parents buy stuff so it’s a win-win for the kids, for parents and for us.”
