Photo courtesy of the Lacombe Farmers' Market Facebook page.
Farmers’ markets are opening this week, giving Central Albertans a chance to support local businesses and producers.
Every year, the Lacombe Farmers’ Market has about 80 vendors throughout the summer, featuring local vendors, small businesses, baked goods, and sought-after produce.
“Our vendors rotate. There's always somebody new every week and we always have our regular and consistent full-time vendors as well,” Tracey Richter, Lacombe Farmers' Market Manager.
This year, the market is welcoming new vendors, such as new food trucks, growers, bakers, distilleries, and breweries.
Local not-for-profits will also join the market, and on opening day (May 16), City of Lacombe Councillors will be available to visit with residents.
“It’s a great place to come on down, meet your neighbours, get to know the community, and you're supporting local,” Richter said.
The market always brings a crowd, rain or shine.
“We have great community support within the City of Lacombe, and every year I have seen an increase in customers, which is phenomenal,” Richter said. “You can't get fresher produce than you can at a farmers' market, it comes from the land to the table that same day. You just can't get better than that.”
On Thursday (May 16) the Lacombe Farmers' Market opens at Michener Park from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
On Friday (May 17) the Sylvan Lake Summer Market opens for the season on Lakeshore Drive from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
The Bentley Farmers’ Market returns on Saturday (May 18) at the Bentley Arena from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.