The search is over — the Red Deer Polytechnic grounds will be the new home of the Red Deer Public Market.
The popular outdoor Market at Red Deer is relocating to the northeast parking lot at RDP for its 53rd season, opening on Saturday, May 20.
“We are so excited to have RDP as our new home. Along with the location and space for vendors and customers, there are some great opportunities to explore with RDP that may not have shown themselves at our last location,” says Patrick Moffat, co-manager of the market. “We really believe this is a good fit and a great location.”
The new site, including parking lots C, F, D and E, will give the public market a larger footprint, with up to 320 stalls and room for growth. There are also customer parking stalls.
Access to the market will be at 57th Avenue and and College Drive, and the operating hours will remain the same — from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays from the Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving.
“We are excited to welcome vendors and visitors to Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus for the Red Deer Public Market in the weeks and months ahead,” says Patrick Machacek, vice-president of development and partnerships at Red Deer Polytechnic.
“This is an example of how RDP is deepening our community partnerships and supporting central Alberta’s entrepreneurs.”
Machacek added that markets like this one are incubators for small business and for cultural connection. “Hosting this weekly market on our campus reflects our role as a polytechnic to contribute to the economic growth and social development of the region.”
The Red Deer Market, which was started by Patrick’s father, Dennis Moffat, in 1970, has been seeking a new location since Red Deer City Council voted not to renew its long-standing agreement to operate in front of the Servus Arena and Pidherney Centre parking lots.
Many locations were considered, including a few possible sites in the downtown area. However, Red Deer Polytechnic was identified by organizers as the best choice.
Along with ample parking, RDP has good access to transit and is part of the Waskasoo Trail system.
Moffat said signage will be put up to help direct out-of-town customers and vendors to Red Deer Polytechnic at 100 Red Deer College Boulevard in southwest Red Deer.