By Andrea Nicholl
The taste of fresh fruits and veggies, the support of local farmers and the tradition of cash-only will be celebrated this week at the Border City Farmer’s Market.
The market will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Thursday with free giveaways, cake, coffee and a variety of vendors.
Market director Linda Shakotko says customers can expect more than 35 vendors who will make it, bake it and grow it.
“It’s a good experience to come to the market. It’s fresh, it’s nice and it’s a friendly atmosphere- it’s better than anything you can get at the store.”
The Border City Farmer’s Market boasts more than 40 members and a wide variety of product including fresh vegetables, baking, canning, plants, candles, meats and jewellery.
While prices are comparable to city retailers, Shakotko says it’s nice to support local farmers.
“We think it’s important because you’re buying locally. You have the chance to talk to the person who’s growing the fruits, baking the pie and canning the vegetables.”
“People want to know what they’re eating,” said Jean Lutzak, a 35-year market member.
“When they come here they know what they’re getting and they know where it’s coming from.”
Lutzak has seen the boom and bust of the local farmers market over the years, but says it’s steady and now doing well at its new home.
The Border City Farmer’s Market made the move from the Wildrose Pavilion to the Common Wealth Centre nearly three years ago and Shakotko agrees the move was crucial to the market’s prosperity.
“We’ve really grown and when we moved here it was a changing point,” she said of the relocation. “This is a growing area, it’s well known and we get a lot of out-of-town people so it’s really expanded our customer base.”
Both Shaktoko and Lutzak say the future of the Border City Farmers Market is looking bright.
“I think they’re a thing of the future,” said Shaktoko. “I think they’re going to become more and more popular as people become more aware of what they’re eating, what they’re wearing and what they’re cleaning their homes with.”
The Border City Farmer’s Market will celebrate its 35th anniversary on May 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Common Wealth Centre.
The Market runs every Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. throughout the year and seasonal Saturdays (beginning in August) from 1 to 5 p.m at the Common Wealth.