Farmer’s market season wraps up at Agri-food Hub

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on October 16, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Young Brooklyn Beyer and father Jacco of Crystal Springs Cheese serve a customer during the last Lethbridge Farmer's Market of the year on Saturday at the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre on Saturday.

Vendors displayed their products one last time on Saturday as the Lethbridge Farmer’s Market wrapped up for another year at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre.

“It’s been a great year,” said Paul Kingsmith, the Agri-food Hub’s director of community engagement

Kingsmith highlighted the number one reason for it being a great year is the fact the Farmer’s Marker was in its first full year in the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre.

“This year was really kind of a fresh start for the Farmer’s Market by moving in here (and) being in here full time right from the start of the market right through until now,” said Kingsmith.

The Farmer’s market attendance and vendor participation were good.

“We’ve seen demand right through the entire season filling out the market for almost every week,” said Kingsmith.

The busier Saturdays had over 100 vendors.

“There was weeks where we had no more room for vendors,” said Kingsmith.

“It doesn’t happen every year and so to see it happen this year is great. It means that vendors are seeing the value in being a part of the Lethbridge Farmer’s Market.”

Jesse Newman of Rose Creek Ranch completed his 15th year at the market and likes the community and people he deals with.

“It’s exciting to see new people come experience our products for the first time,” said Newman.

“It’s great to see people comeback because we get to catch up after a season (of) not seeing each other and I’ve even got to see some generations grow up coming here.”

His popular item this year was the smoked jerky sticks.

“This has been (an) extremely busy day,” Brandi Matthews of Brandi’s Salsa

“The community is so supportive. Just it’s a great place to come and I keep coming back.”

Jacco Beyer thought this year was good for sales for Crystal Springs Cheese.

“People are really coming out again and buying a whole range of our products,” he said.

“We’re really happy with what this year has brought.”

Beyer has noticed since the company has been in the area since 2005 that they still run into people that do not know they exist.

“At the Farmer’s Market you have regulars, but you also have people that come once (or) twice a year and just being here gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and get new customers,” said Beyer.

Mackenzie Peterson was at her first Farmer’s Market of the year.

“I think it’s really great to support local businesses and local vendors,” said Peterson.

“I think there’s things at these farmer’s markets that you can’t find in big commercial places. So I think it’s wonderful to do that in support.”