Bep Hamer, Farmers Market Manager, is thrilled with the success of the 2012 Farmers Market at Market Square in Swift Current and is looking forward to an exciting 2013 that will see food vendors “Food Safe” certified and even more exciting products showcased in the city’s downtown core.
“This venue could not have been possible without the help of a lot of people to make this finally come together: Susan Motkaluk, Marlene, Janet, City Council, city workers, and all the volunteers who showed up weekly to put up and take down our tents, and Carmel Mall for letting us store our tables and extra stock,” Hamer noted. “There was a lot of behind the scenes planning before this fantastic venue could take place.” Hamer also acknowledged the volunteer work of Sarah Galvin in promoting the Market and Brenda Epp’s efforts as Treasurer.
To get the 2013 season off to a healthy start, a meeting for all Farmers Market members and future participants is scheduled for 9 a.m. January 30 at the Modern Restaurant banquet room.
“Everyone is strongly encouraged to participate,” said Hamer. “There will be a Health Inspector in attendance because we will be requiring Food Safe certification for all food vendors this year.”
Food Safe certification exam dates will also be available at the meeting.
Other items up for discussion will include Farmers Market and Market Square start and ending dates and opening time, pricing of market spaces, Christmas 2013 market dates, and the concept of having just one market day per week on Saturdays.
Hamer said the new Farmers Market venue at Market Square is “making the Downtown what it used to be: a vibrant, thriving downtown core where you bring your kids, visiting relatives from all over the world, and even see next door neighbours that you haven’t seen in a while, and just plain hang out, have a bite to eat and enjoy the entertainment.”
Market Square promises to be even bigger and better this year, with returning vendors from as far away as BC and Alberta, plus great representation from southwest Saskatchewan’s vibrant niche market producers and Hutterite colonies.
“We had knitters, weavers, jewelers, woodcutters, bakers, jams and preserves, greenhouse growers, quilters, free range eggs, local honey, fabric and fibre artists, candle purveyors, lots of vegetable and fruit growers, African handcrafts, as well as charity tables,” Hamer remarked. “It was wonderful to see everyone loaded down with their wares purchased from the Market.”
Anyone wishing to inquire about Farmers Market membership or add items to the meeting’s agenda can call Bep Hamer at 306-773-7359.
