For more than four decades, the Crossfield Farmer's Market has been helping local and Alberta vendors reach consumers while bringing the community together.
“It's the place that the community can come down and enjoy their neighbours. We do have a lot of vendors that are from town and this is what they've chosen to do for business, and we fully support that,” said Cheryl Shea, market manager.
Now in its 44th year, the fast-growing rural market is a member of the Alberta Farmers' Market Association, which means at least 80 per cent of the vendors are from Alberta – either making, baking, or growing their products within the province. Vendors come from Red Deer, Cochrane, Strathmore and other communities across Alberta, she added, to sell their products in Crossfield every Thursday.
According to Shea, the market is often filled with vendors who make a living from their products – including what she said is some of the best local produce available in the area.
“A majority of these businesses are also small-business entrepreneurs,” she said. “This is what they do for a living. They're not hobbyists. This is not just a way to kill an afternoon...this is their job.”
As an Alberta-approved market, Crossfield Farmer's Market can help area businesses sell products and reach a broader customer base, Shea added.
“[Even if vendors] are coming from Strathmore, Red Deer or somewhere else, it's still helping the local economy,” she said.
Shea said the small-town farmers' market is great for the community because it brings in popular Alberta vendors.
“Our market is as good as any around. We have a lot of the same vendors that go to the larger markets, so it's a really great market and it's fabulous that it's in Crossfield,” she said.
The market averages 45 to 50 vendors each week, according to Shea, with a wide variety of products ranging from craft breweries to homemade baked goods and other foods, such as cabbage rolls and perogies.
The free event is held outdoors in the Crossfield Community Centre’s parking lot and happens rain or shine throughout the summer. Each market also features food trucks, allowing attendees to enjoy dinner while shopping on a Thursday afternoon.
“You're welcome to walk in, shop with us and stay for dinner,” Shea said.
The first of a series of summer markets takes place June 6 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Markets will run at the same time each Thursday until Sept. 27.
