INNISFAIL – The Innisfail Farmers' Market is back in business.
The local market opened for the 2018 season at the Innisfail Arena on May 17.
It runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Sept. 20.
“I think our turnout would have been a little better (without the rain),” said Ira Bowes, manager of the farmers' market.
Despite the poor weather, the farmers' market opened with a good number of visitors and vendors, he noted.
“I’m sure there’s around 30 vendors out today. We’ve got a considerable number more who are going to (be part of the market) this summer,” said Bowes, noting three new vendors on opening day, with several others expected to set up at the market on or after June 1.
He may be the new manager for the farmers' market, but Bowes is no stranger to both vendors and Innisfail patrons. As a former representative with Nixon’s Honey, he spent several years working at the farmers' market as well.
He took over as manager of the farmers' market from Christine Mountain.
“It’s exciting and it’s good (to be manager),” said Bowes. “I know most of the vendors because I’ve been here myself for three or four years.”
Bowes said he is looking forward to an exciting season at the market.
“I think we’ve got some pretty good potential here as far as expanding (the number of vendors),” he said. “We’ve got some new items coming in and new people all the time.”
In addition to new vendors, there are also many returning this year as well, including those that make homemade quilting products, artwork, crafts, foods, baked goods, and freshly grown fruits and vegetables from area farmers.
“I think we all work very well with the Town of Innisfail. Between us, we all have to work for our community,” said Bowes, noting the support the market receives from the surrounding community.
“We all want a better community and you do what you can to do that,” said Bowes. “We all support each other.”
