The Innisfail Farmers' Market is ready to roll out the best produce and local goodies and crafts at the Innisfail Arena this week.
For 41 years the farmers' market has provided local and area residents with fresh produce, baked goods and unique handmade items.
This year, the Innisfail Farmers' Market runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 19 to Sept. 22.
“It's going pretty well actually. Better than I expected with the economy,” said Christine Mountain, manager of the Innisfail Farmers' Market. She noted the steady number of vendor applications for this year's market. “More applications have been coming in every day,” she said.
There are about 36 confirmed vendors so far this year with more expected to register later this spring and summer.
The market will include a variety of both products and produce this year, including those from the Innisfail Growers and B.C. fruit vendors. “We also have pottery, we have sewing and crocheting, and we have a perogy vendor and we have lots and lots of baking,” she said, noting the early arrival of British Columbia fruit.
“The B.C. fruit vendor is going to be at our first farmers' market on May 19. He's going to come all year this year,” said Mountain. “He came here in June last year.”
In addition, there are a couple of new vendors that shoppers will see at the market in Innisfail this year.
“The town has allowed us to (host) some outside vendors behind the arena,” said Mountain, adding there is a new vendor from Eckville that is offering homemade ice cream. “We're also welcoming another new vendor who makes mini-donuts.”
The Innisfail Farmers' Market is a great way for families to enjoy local products and produce, said Mountain, noting all vendors are from Alberta except for the B.C. fruit vendor.
“We try to include all ‘make it, bake it and grow it' vendors,” explained Mountain. “We're hoping to see more people this year and we're hoping that the outside vendor section will open (the market) up a little bit,” she added, noting there is room for about four to five outside vendors. “I'm hoping it's going to help.”
Meanwhile, Innisfail's Producer's Market, the town's first outdoor market that was launched last year, will begin May 31 in the parking lot of Henday Mall. The outdoor market will run weekly every Tuesday from 4 until 7 p.m. until Sept. 27.
For more information on the Innisfail Farmers' Market visit www.albertamarkets.com or visit the Innisfail Farmers' Market on Facebook.
