While Red Deer has been enjoying a surprisingly mild start to fall, it hasn’t dampened the spirits of those eagerly anticipating the fast-approaching holiday season!
Shauna Fisher, General Manager at Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market says the market is the place to be this season for those looking to embrace their community spirit and support the hard-working farmers and artists who thrive within its walls.
While the success of this local indoor farmers market these past two years is hardly a secret, some people might be surprised to know they host a variety of monthly, family-friendly events as well as a wealth of seasonal activities for the entire family to enjoy.
“I would love to get the word out that we offer a wide variety of family-friendly events on a regular basis here at Gasoline Alley and are adding more vendors and events every month,” Fisher says. “We have all-ages karaoke at the Market Kitchen the last Thursday of every month and we are going to be adding monthly family friendly trivia games as well, starting Dec. 8.”
Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market is also starting new traditions this season with the first-ever Long Table Dinner “Tastes of the Market,” kicking off the holiday season Nov. 23. Guests will sample some of the best local cuisine in the area, and can even start their holiday shopping at the silent auction!
Proceeds benefit a local market garden impacted by a hail storm last July that devastated their crops.
“We hope to bring awareness to the importance of small farms and the vital role they play within the community,” Fisher says. Tickets are already available online – pick yours up through Show Pass at Tastes of the Market.
Looking forward to the rest of the holiday season, expect an increasingly festive environment, with Santa scheduled to make an appearance Dec. 17, leading into what will be a very merry Christmas market Dec. 21 to 23. Holiday shoppers will have every opportunity to enjoy some amazing local holiday cuisine and find unique, handcrafted gifts for everyone on their shopping lists.
“We have lots of pop-up vendors scheduled for the entire holiday season, but we are always welcoming new local vendors for those interested,” Fisher says.
Local artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs can apply for a pop-up vendor space online at gasolinealleymarket.ca/become-a-vendor