The farmers market phenomenon continues to grow.
For almost a year now, since the fall of 2013, Vi Ripley has presided over a flourishing group of vendors holding court at the Penhold Regional Multiplex. During winter the market ran Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the complex and since spring started, both inside and outside have been used.
“We now run on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. with both outdoor and indoor markets,” said Ripley. “When we first started there were 10 vendors. Now, we have 42 indoor and 17 outdoor sellers. We have started to attract a larger number of non-Penhold merchants such as Garden of Eden (B.C.) fruit sellers, Quality Meats from outside Penhold, and Innisfail Growers to the market.”
The Blackfalds citizen first approached Julie Dallaire, manager of community services last fall.
“I asked her if we could organize a farmers market and she said sure,” added Ripley. “So we did and now it is amazing how much we have grown.”
She said the growth of the farmers market is a sign that people want to shop from local vendors, noting the winter season was particularly busy with the hockey crowds taking advantage of vendors' offerings.
“We are always looking for new vendors to step up to the booth,” said Ripley. “Our rates are reasonable, starting at $15 for a 10-foot by 10-foot tent but we do charge more for truck-based sellers.”
Interested vendors can contact Ripley at 403-885-2566 or 403-505-6198 to find out more information on the market.
