By TERRY PUGH
The Warman Farmers Market is gearing up for opening day in mid-May.
Now entering its fifteenth season, the vendor-run open-air market offers customers an opportunity to purchase fresh vegetables, baking and other locally-produced goods.
“It’s a one-stop shop,” said Warman Farmers Market Coordinator Anne Janzen. “We have 24 vendors, and they’re all looking forward to another good year.”
Janzen said the farmers market is looking to make things more convenient for shoppers this season by adding a second day to their schedule.
“We’re going to have two different days for the market in two different locations,” said Janzen. “We’ll be setting up on Thursdays in the parking lot at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex (WHCC) from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.; and also on Saturdays at the Warman Home Centre retail outlet parking lot on South Railway Street West from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..”
Opening day for the Warman Farmers Market is slated for Saturday, May 17 at the Warman Home Centre retail outlet parking lot, and Thursday, May 29 at the WHCC location.
Janzen said the decision to set up the outdoor market twice a week benefits both shoppers and vendors.
“Some are able to do both days,” she said. “But others can only set up their booths on Thursday or Saturday. The markets will have different offerings on both days. We have enough vendors to make it viable for two days a week.”
She noted that a food truck, a popular attraction at the Thursday market, is expected to be back again this year at the WHCC location. But, it may not be at the Saturday market at the Warman Home Centre retail location.
The new location on South Railway Street on weekends is anticipated to attract people attending sporting events at the nearby Prairie Oasis Park.
“We’re hoping to pull people at ball tournaments and BMX events in to the farmers market,” said Janzen.
Janzen said despite having to deal with very windy conditions on a weekly basis last season, the vendors reported good sales.
“All the vendors were happy with how things went last year,” said Janzen. “A lot of our vendors, especially those offering baked goods, said they sold all they had every week. The vegetables and fruit, once they come onto the market later in the summer, are also very popular.”
Janzen said the farmers market, after 14 years, is viewed as a tradition in the area.
“I think it’s a good thing for the community,” she said. “It’s a place where people can get home-grown, fresh produce and baking in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a nice social event for everyone involved, too.”