Community market is now open at multiplex

With the arrival of June and summer just around the corner, outdoor markets are in full swing and welcoming visitors from around the region.

The Penhold Community Market began June 7 at the Penhold Regional Multiplex with dozens of vendors expected to set up outside in the parking lot.

“We started June 7 and we run until August 30,” said Stacie Wadin, volunteer co-ordinator with the community market. “There's been a Penhold market for at least four years.”

The outdoor market runs every Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and will include several vendors selling a variety of items such as fresh fruit from British Columbia, grass-fed beef, vegetables from area farmers and a food truck as well.

“We basically want a mini version of the Red Deer Market – that's what we're aiming for,” said Wadin. “We want a fun atmosphere.”

The Penhold Community Market will serve families in and around Penhold and around the region, said Wadin, adding she hopes for plenty of visitors this spring and summer.

“It helps draw families out when there's something for the kids to do too,” said Wadin, noting the addition of a possible bouncy house at the market this year.

Last year averaged about 15 to 20 vendors a week with plenty of room to add more this year, noted Wadin.

Over the past several months she has gathered community feedback about the market via social media and will work to ensure that feedback is added to the market this year.

“We are striving for that farmers' market atmosphere. With a farmers' market you have to have less than 20 per cent commercial items,” explained Wadin. “We're striving to maintain that balance. The people of Penhold have told us that's what they want.

“The highest thing on the list was produce so that is definitely a big priority for us,” she added.

“I'm really hoping that we'll grow this year (over last year) and I really hope that we'll see that (benefit).”

For more information visit the Penhold Community Market page on Facebook.

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