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Demand for local produce keeps market thriving

Carrots, potatoes, beets and parsnips are just a few of the whole food offerings at the Eastview Estates Market.

Carrots, potatoes, beets and parsnips are just a few of the whole food offerings at the Eastview Estates Market.

The makeshift farmers’ market inside the Eastview Estates Community Hall (120 Ellenwood Drive) will remain open until the first weekend in May.

Beck Farms co-owner and market organizer Shelley Bradshaw said there has been a strong demand for local produce. She said the market has a loyal following of customers including those who visit her booth in the Red Deer Farmers’ Market.

“It’s gone really well for us so far,” said Bradshaw. “We hope to continue it on. If in the future, Red Deer does get a year round market, we would certainly consider doing that instead but at this point and time this is working really well.”

This is the third season Bradshaw rented the hall to set up tables of winter storage vegetables. In the first two years, she sold produce from other members of the Innisfail Growers group.

Starting in October, Beck Farms and another grower will set up a table or two inside the community hall on the second Saturday of the month. Bradshaw said there’s plenty of winter storage vegetables and preserves up for grabs including cabbage, onions pickles and jams.

“We’re hoping to keep that continuity every two weeks right up until the market starts again on the long weekend in May,” said Bradshaw.

The market is open until two weeks before the Red Deer Farmers’ Market opens for the season. The next market is scheduled for Feb. 25.

The doors open at 10 a.m. and closes at noon. For more information on the Innisfail Growers visit www.innisfailgrowers.ca

crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com