Farmers’ market more than just a place to sell goods

“My biggest seller this year are face masks which I feel are so important for people to wear. They are made with two layers of quilted cotton and non woven and woven. I make the tied ones I just find them more comfortable,” she said.

A few booths down, another vendor is busy serving up their signature salsa.

“ We actually started making salsa when I was home on mat leave after my first son five years ago. My mom has always made salsa so she has shared her recipes with us and we thought there might be a market for it at the farmers market and we tried it and we have been very blessed with the support from the community,” said Ghuenda Laurie of La Salsita.

The farmer’s market has been drawing in steady numbers on Saturdays despite COVID-19 with an average of 1100 visitors on a given weekend.

“It’s been really good this year. We’ve been really impressed with the numbers of the community that has been out to see us and support us this season,” said Doreen Gunderson of the Medicine Hat Farmers’ market.

For Arlea, she’s been at the market selling her products for three years, but she’s not exactly in it to make a lot of cash.

“I always enjoy coming here so much, that as long as I make the cost of my table I’m happy,” Harper said.

Instead, for Harper there is a more modest appeal.

“ The social interaction. I used to be a teacher and when the kids came in in the morning I greeted everyone and they told me, little stories and there problems and there good days and there bad, and they shared all that. I get a lot of that here with people telling me the good things and the bad, and sometimes we have a cry, and sometimes we laugh,” Harper said.

Harper’s warm-hearted smile, and bright personality is just one of the vendors at the farmers market, sure to tell a story or two, and provide visitors that little bit of comfort during these uncertain times.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Farmers’ market more than just a place to sell goods

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