There's a new Farmer's Market to check out
Don’t you just love a Farmer’s Market? Fresh produce, interesting crafts, lovely jewelry and organic meats. There’s something about an open air market and supporting local vendors and agriculture that appeals to us. It’s an ancient ritual that we love.
That’s why Okotoks residents are thrilled at the new Davisburg Farmer’s Market which just opened last week, running through to after Labour Day. The market is located at the Davisburg Community Hall east of Okotoks.
The group of local producers and Southern Alberta artisans is small but mighty. Community organizers say 21 vendors have signed up for the season with some who will come and go on a drop-in basis.
Michelle Balog of the community association is the manager of the Davisburg market and said despite the rain on opening day all vendors were pleased with the crowd and did a brisk business.
The hall at the tiny community of Davisburg is a meeting spot where friends and neighbours come together. In old-fashioned prairie tradition, the community holds a turkey dinner every year just before Thanksgiving in October, harkening back to the days of fowl suppers in church basements. The dinners are part of the community association’s strategy to unite neighbours and build community.
Vendors at the Davisburg Farmer’s Market
Some of the local producers participating in this first season of the market were members of the Cayley Hutterite Colony selling vegetables. There was honey fresh from the farm, an ice cream stand and even food trucks on hand.
The honey came from Honey Meadows Farm in DeWinton. Owner John Zwiers has never put his product from his family-run business in a Farmers Market before. He signed up for the full season, straight through to Sept. 14 and found out about the market through a neighbour. The cost of a booth for the season is $250 and it has provided Zwiers an opportunity to introduce his product to a new group of customers and to introduce a new lip balm to the public.
The community association obtained a liquor license so market-goers can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine on the deck of the community hall.
The beauty of this market is the atmosphere and the sense of community spirit, far away from the bustle of the big city, where the vendors and shoppers alike had time to chat. Balog believes the intimacy of the Davisburg market will be as big a draw as the unique vendors who have signed up to participate.
The market at the Davis Community Hall operates Wednesdays throughout the summer from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Vendors interested in participating can contact Michelle Balog through the Davisburg community website. Stall rentals are $30 for one occasion or $250 for the season and vendors will be included in the community’s marketing initiatives, advertising and Social Media plus signage. Vendors must bring their own tables and chairs, tent and power is not included.
Other Farmers Markets in the Okotoks area
- Okotoks Farmer’s Market: Fridays and Saturdays
- Millarville Farmers Market: Saturdays
- High River Farmers Market: Thursdays and Sundays