A year round farmers market may soon be offering local seasonal produce in Red Deer.
Garden City Market will open in November as a winter market on Wednesdays at Pioneer’s Lodge.
But it could bring life to a farmers market that is open all year, said Daniel Chappell, owner of the Bowden-area Country Thyme Farm, and market president.
“We think Red Deer is ready for it,” said Chappell, spokesperson for the market group.
The group is working on the details to designate the market an official Alberta approved farmers market.
Chappell said the studies have shown that residents would like the option in the city.
The group has booked four dates (two Wednesdays in November and a Thursday and a Friday in December) to test the waters before investing a lot of money into the venture.
“We are just easing into it and not jumping into it too hard,” he said.
“It will definitely be something we will discuss in the new year.”
The group would likely operate the market on another day during the week to avoid conflict with the DBA’s Downtown Market on Wednesdays in the summer.
Chappell said to start there will be 10 to 12 local vendors selling winter root vegetables, preserves, meat and eggs at the winter market. The market is slated to be open on Nov. 11, Nov. 25, Dec.10 and Dec. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pioneer’s Lodge (4324 46A Ave.).
Garden City Market will be the second winter market in the city. Every second Saturday, Eastview Estates Community Hall (120 Ellenwood Drive) hosts a two-hour winter market starting at 10 a.m.
For more information visit www.gardencitymarket.wordpress.com or Garden City Market on Facebook.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com