The Martensville and Warman Farmers Markets will soon lift the lid on a brand new season.
The Warman Farmers Market’s opening day is Thursday, May 6 and Martensville Farmers Market begins Wednesday, May 19.
Both open-air markets feature vendors offering locally-produced vegetables, baking, crafts and other goods.
“It’s exciting to be back,” said Martensville Farmers Market Coordinator Marjan Petter, who grows fresh vegetables on her family farm operation near Osler. “It’s a good atmosphere at the market, and people like dropping by once a week.”
Warman Farmers Market Coordinator Anne Janzen, whose baked goods are popular at the weekly sale, said she and the other vendors are looking forward to opening day.
“We’re heading into our 11th season,” said Janzen. “It’s a tradition that’s popular with shoppers.”
The Martensville Farmers Market will operate Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Martensville Corner Store parking lot across from Canadian Tire on Centennial Drive in Martensville.
The Warman Farmers Market will be open for business Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Legends Centre parking lot on Centennial Boulevard in Warman.
The two farmers markets are working together to boost the profiles of both weekly outdoor events. Petter is a vendor at both Martensville and Warman farmers markets, and she says it makes sense to pool resources.
“The two cities are so close together and there is a lot of people who travel back and forth for shopping and visiting,” said Petter. “Having the two farmers markets on different days means people can see what each has to offer.
“People like to buy locally and the market is a good place to bring shoppers and vendors together.”
Janzen said she and Petter are both coordinating the weekly events on a volunteer basis, and by supporting each other’s efforts, it makes the task manageable for both.
“The person who coordinated our market last year got sick, and can’t do it this year, so I stepped up to keep things going and I asked Marjan to help me, so that’s how it came about.”
This marks the second season in new locations for both Warman and Martensville Farmers Markets. Prior to last year, Martensville’s market operated out of the Martensville curling rink, while Warman’s market was set up in the parking lot at Warman City Hall across from the city’s post office.
The Warman Farmers Market outgrew the old location, and the Martensville Farmers Market struggled to attract patrons at its former site.
Last year, both outdoor markets moved to new digs under a cloud of uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only were they obliged to follow strict public health guidelines, they weren’t sure if the shoppers would still come.
It turned out that moving to highly-visible locations was a smart decision for both operations.
“It was the best move we ever made,” said Janzen. “All our customers from past years followed us over, and we attracted a lot of new customers who didn’t even know we existed.
“I would say we attracted twice as many people last year as we did in our old location. We counted as many as 500 people on some days.”
Janzen said customers also appreciate the ample parking space at the Legends Centre.
Petter said setting up at the Martensville Corner Store parking lot was a good move. The busy intersection at Centennial Drive and 3rd Street North sees hundreds of vehicles every day.
“It really increased our visibility,” she said. “The parking lot is privately-owned, and the owner welcomed us with open arms. It creates a nice atmosphere, and parking is not a problem.”
Public health restrictions will be in place again this year at the outdoor markets, but people are used to them, according to Janzen.
“Last year, there was a lot of uncertainty,” she said. “We didn’t even know if we would be allowed to operate. As it was, our opening was pushed back to May 21.
“This year, we’re opening in early May, as usual, and it should be a lot smoother for everyone.”