By Angela Brown

Battlefords area farmers’ markets off to a good start

Jun 12, 2021 | 4:35 PM

THE BATTLEFORDS – With an earlier start to the season this year, farmers’ markets in the Battlefords are keeping busy this spring.

The Territorial Drive Farmers’ Market in North Battleford is running again Fridays starting at 4 p.m. at its new location at the Frontier Mall lot, similar to last year to allow plenty of space for social distancing.

Christine Vangool, who manages the market with her husband Joe, said a variety of items are currently available for sale.

“[There’s] veggies, baking, craft beer, plants, food trucks, and we also have live music,” she said.

Lettuce, beets, herbs, and tomato plants were on offer at Mexican Ranch Blaine Lake producer David Penner’s booth Friday, June 11. He said his lettuce was almost sold out at this week’s market, so he was glad to see the response from the public.

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Vangool notes this is the earliest the market has ever begun in the season.

“Usually we start towards the end of June. But it’s already off to a strong start,” Vangool said.

Alanna Priel, who manages the Battlefords And District Farmers Market at two locations, says people can expect to see a wide variety of products at the vendors’ tables this year.

“[We have] basic farmers’ market [products] – homebaked goods, eggs, fresh veggies. There’s some plants, some honey,” Priel said.

The Saturday market (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) in North Battleford at Living Faith Chapel parking lot has already started, while the Thursday market in town, outside Battleford Furniture store, will begin June 17th, running 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Vendors are selling home-baked goods, eggs, fresh vegetables, plants, honey, to name a few items. More fresh produce will come a little later when they are ready.

“Come out and support local people,” Priel said.

More people appear to be coming to the market during the pandemic, as they stay within their community and cook at home.

“Last year was a record year for my vendors, considering there was Covid. They said they actually had record sales,” Priel said.

The Wolf Garden And Open Market in Battleford continues to run Wednesdays to Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located at 442 – 22nd Street West in Battleford, or about a block west on Highway 40 on the edge of town, the market runs year-round. Vendors’ tables are inside in the cooler months, and more are also outdoors when temperatures are warmer.

Manager Wanda Wolf said some of the items currently available include eggs, honey, rhubarb, fresh baking and assorted crafts. More fresh local produce will arrive as the season progresses.

“As soon as they are ready they will be here,” she said.

With the province’s Covid-19 restrictions gradually easing, more people seem to be out and about exploring the region’s farmers’ markets as well.

“As more and more vendors come, the customers too are feeling a little more relieved,” Wolf says. “We have new customers everyday, people who have never been here before. So that’s a really cool sign.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow