Just in time for Easter, Mother’s Day and graduation season, the Crossfield Spring Farmers’ Market is returning to the rural community April 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crossfield Community Centre. More than 100 vendors will be onsite selling their wares, according to Crossfield Farmers’ Market Manager Cheryl Shea. “Its just a great event and it’s supporting local businesses,” she said. Vendors will come from across the province, according to Shea, including communities such as Drumheller, Red Deer, Cochrane and Okotoks. The vendor that will travel the farthest is a small bakery from Bittern Lake, near Camrose. “[It’s called] Farmhouse Bakery and they sell the best cinnamon buns on the planet,” Shea said. “They also have breads, cookies, pizzas – you name it, they have it.” Because the Crossfield Farmers’ Market is a provincially-approved market, Shea said, at least 80 per cent of the products on hand will be made, baked or grown by the vendors themselves. Along with an assortment of available food and drink options, such as freshly-baked bread and craft beer, Shea said, patrons can browse a variety of handmade products, from baby clothing and pottery, to African baskets, glass work and body lotion. Food trucks will also be available, according to Shea. While the event is free to attend, Shea said, donations to the Airdrie Food Bank are welcome. According to Shea, purchasing farmers’ market goods is an easy way to support the local economy. “Most of these vendors are running their own businesses,” she said. “They are not hobbyists – this is what they do for a living. Putting them all in one venue is absolutely amazing and the sense of pride I get watching them is just incredible.” Following the April 6 event, the Crossfield Farmers’ Market will return for the summer, with weekly markets being held every Thursday from June 6 to Sept. 26, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. “This is a one-off [event],” Shea said. “We do a big spring one and a huge Christmas one, and then we do our regular summer markets.” For more information or to apply as a vendor, email [email protected]
