To celebrate the very best of southern Alberta growers, makers, bakers, artisans and entrepreneurs, the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce is launching the Coaldale Farmers’ Market.
Set in the heart of Coaldale at Civic Square Plaza, the market will create a vibrant outdoor gathering place where residents and visitors can shop local, discover unique handmade and homegrown products, enjoy fresh local food, and connect with the businesses and people that help make southern Alberta thrive.
Mayor Jack Van Rijn said a farmers’ market is yet another exiting step forward, creating a vibrant downtown experience.
Contributions from local businesses and organizations, including the Coaldale & District Agriculture Society, will help lay the foundation for a sustainable program that will continue to grow and benefit the region for years to come.
Chamber Executive Director Colleen Van Raalte added the farmers’ market is a way to increase community engagement. “There’s a lot of traction for farmers’ markets based in our region —what we see happening with other locations.”
Currently, Van Raalte noted there’s a few vendors who have officially registered with a lot of verbal confirmations of people who are interested. “They just need to go through the process of applying.”
According to Van Raalte, the farmers’ market falls into the Chamber’s programming. “We’re an advocate for businesses of all sizes. That also means supporting local entrepreneurs. There are many different people who want to succeed in their own initiatives, in their own business plans, and in their own entrepreneurial endeavours. The farmers’ market fits in well with that because the Chamber can support those grassroots entrepreneurs to help them succeed in what they’re trying to accomplish, and to help them try to grow their businesses.”
Many farmers’ markets are also run by families, Van Raalte explained.
“If they’re making or baking something, or if they’re growing something, chances are they’re going to get their kids involved. It’s a really good means of engagement that happens outside of the parameters of the farmers’ market, or to bring their products to sale. In doing that, we’re supporting not only businesses, but also families,” Van Raalte added.
Van Raalte said the Chamber is looking for southern Alberta vendors and food trucks to join the Coaldale Farmers’ Market. “We’re not looking to target just the Coaldale area, but to try and get that information out to the broader community as well for their participation. Not only as vendors, but also as something to do on a Thursday night,” added Van Raalte.
Launching June 25, the Coaldale Farmers’ Market will be held every other Thursday from 3-8 p.m.
To learn more about market dates, featured vendors, sponsorship opportunities, and how to get involved, visit coaldalefarmersmarket.com.
