Vendors fans of outdoor market

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 11, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad Vendors and community members alike enjoy the sunshine during the Wednesday Farmers' Market at Festival Square which will run every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. until September 4.

With the summer sun shining, Festival Square is bustling with fresh fruit and vegetables along with handmade goods from local vendors and live music as the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ and Lethbridge & District Exhibition host a Farmers’ Market every Wednesday.

Payton Grindle, ambassador for the BRZ, says the outdoor market provides a different vibe.

“Putting the farmers’ market outside, it creates a different kind of vibe. We’ve got the trees, we’ve got the blue sky, the sunshine. It’s just it really opens it up a lot more. It’s a lot more breathable. It just feels like a farmers’ market,” said Grindle

Gail Butler, owner of Gail’s Good 4 U Baking, says the downtown market is a lot more personable than the Saturday one.

“It’s more one-on-one in the outdoor market, more so than the Saturday market. I mean, Saturday market’s great, but it’s bigger and people are trying to get to their favourite vegetables or their other favourite vendors. And it’s just more it’s quicker traffic. It’s not as personable,” said Butler.

Angela Calvin, owner of Grammies Little Bakery, says its easier to sell her baked goods outdoors since it’s not as competitive.

“We did it last year and we really like the feel of it there as well. But with the bakery, that’s where most of the business is, is on the weekends. So we were able to do it on the Wednesday this year and kind of spread things out a bit,” said Calvin.

Food isn’t the only thing available at the Farmers Market. There are handmade items from various vendors as well. Michelle Browne sells handmade jewelry as Rainbow Bazaar Art Collective. This was her second outdoor market and she loves how the mid-week market gives the community the chance to shop from local vendors.

“I love how it gives the community a chance, if they can’t get down to the Agri-hub, to see some of our wares and out tiny local businesses like mine. There’s so many wonderful hidden treasure here in Lethbridge,” said Browne.

Whether you need some fresh veggies or want to check out some local handmade items, one thing is for sure, everyone will love the sunshine.

“I just think it’s a wonderful vibe and it just screams Summer and it’s so much fun to be here,” said Calvin

The Wednesday Farmers’ Market will be held at Festival Square from 9-2 until Sept. 4. More information about the Farmers Market can be found at http://www.lethbridgefarmersmarket.ca.

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