Farmers’ Market opens for season with highest turnout in Medicine Hat run

“We have a very, very wonderful customer base,” she added.

“They miss us when we’re not here, and they love us when we’re back.”

Gunderson said she believes a lot of people have felt the downwards trajectory of the economy and are trying to branch out with the market.

“Our Farmers’ Market is basically based on ‘Make it, bake it, grow it, sell it, homemade, homebaked, homegrown.’”

Gunderson said the market is based on ‘Make it, bake it, grow it, sell it, homemade, homebaked, homegrown.’ Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Goods such as fresh produce, baking, and novelty items among artisans of all kinds can be found at the market.

Dana Haldane, owner of Three Nations Jewelry and Crafts, said the diversity in vendors shows the care Medicine Hat has for its artisans.

“I met a lot of new faces, a lot of new people. And it’s nice to show off our product,” she said.

Haldane said the diversity in vendors shows the care Medicine Hat has for its artisans. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Marc Benjamin, owner of Wooden — It Be Nice lathe-turned bowls, said almost every vendor at the market has a story behind their product, which adds a little bit more colour to the picture.

“It’s like an old-time mall, if you want to go for that route,” he said.

“People are usually surprised at what they see here. And the bigger selection we have, the more surprised they are. And it’s always beneficial that way.”

Benjamin said almost every vendor at the market has a story behind their product. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Brenda Francoeur, owner of Whitebear Creations, said the more services vendors can provide to others, the better.

“I think a lot of us, we love what we do but more exposure to our market is a little bit more what we want,” she said.

Francoeur said the more services vendors can provide to others, the better. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Gunderson said there is an application process for vendors to keep a balance in the market.

“We have really different flavours this year. We’ve got some fresh new vendors,” she said.

“You just have to come check it out.”

Gunderson said the approval committee is fair in their choices for vendor applications, and are happy to have anyone apply to try to get in.

The Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with exception of the Stampede weekend July 23 to 26, until October 4.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Farmers’ Market opens for season with highest turnout in Medicine Hat run

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