Airdrie's Farmers Market set to start

The Airdrie Farmers Market is set to begin its fourth year in its current location, and this season, which runs from June 6 to Oct. 3, promises to bring lots of selection to residents.

Located at the Royal Canadian Legion, at the corner of Allen St. and 3rd Ave., the Airdrie Farmer’s Market attracts a variety of vendors on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine.

“(The market) brings a sense of community and it gives local people… a venue,” said Candice Kolson, market organizer. “The market breeds a sense of community.”

Attendees can expect to see everything from fresh farm produce and eggs to bread and homemade pies. Unique items like gelato, mini donuts, children’s products, handmade crafts, jewelry, yard ornaments, shrubs and flowers, are just some of the offerings of the more than 60 market vendors.

Last year, the market, which is one of the largest weekday outdoor events in the area, attracted about 2,500 people each week, according to Kolson.

She said the market offers something for people of all ages. Some vendors even offer specialized foods, such as gluten free.

“(The market) gives people the ability to talk to people and know what’s in the food they are eating,” said Kolson. “You are supporting small business and you are buying direct.”

This year, market organizers are partnering with the Airdrie Food Bank for a monthly food drive.

On the first Wednesday of every month, food bank representatives will be on hand to talk about what the organization does and how residents can help. Representatives will also be taking food donations.

“It is an awesome opportunity for us to partner with (the market),” said Lori McRitchie, executive director of the Airdrie Food Bank.

“It is a great way to promote the Food Bank… and a really good way to connect with the community.”

McRitchie said the food bank welcomes donations brought from home or purchased at the market.

“That is going to add to the healthy food choices we are able to put in our hampers,” said McRitchie, adding the food bank purchases all of the fresh produce it includes in its hampers.

Last year, the food bank gave out 1,186 hampers, 47 per cent of which went to families with children. The organization also provided bread and extras to 2,718 families, gave 9,166 emergency shelf items to area schools and supplied 5,673 breakfasts to kids in the R.J. Hawkey Breakfast program.