What has the economic downturn produced for Cochrane? There has been an upswing in more creative and innovative vendors, according to Farmers' Market manager Valerie McCracken.
What has the economic downturn produced for Cochrane?
There has been an upswing in more creative and innovative vendors, according to Farmers' Market manager Valerie McCracken.
“What has been most interesting this year is seeing the new vendors, new businesses. The fact that the economy is struggling, people are being creative and innovative. Some of the new businesses started are by some of the people who have lost their jobs and said ‘what else can I do,' ” McCracken said.
With the addition of a new pathway this year, the Cochrane Farmers' Market was able to expand to 50 to 55 vendors this year from its usual 45 to 50. A record-breaking 60 vendors are booked for the last market on Oct. 1.
“We hope to have a big last season celebration and there is lots of opportunity for the customers to do their last stock up for the fall, ” McCracken said.
In addition to all the vendors this year, this was the second year the market has hosted the Mat2Market - a free yoga class offered by Green Lotus Studio for individuals of all yoga skill levels. It was also the first year the market introduced a Chef at the Market and complimentary dog sitting, courtesy of Paw X Paw Dog Walking.
“It is very popular, it was always a challenge for us, ” McCracken explained about dog sitting.
Dogs are banned from walking in the market area with the vendors, due to Alberta health and food regulations stating animals cannot be in the stalls that sell food.
“It's been great. I think people who enjoy walking to the market can now leave their dog at the dog sitting area and enjoy the market … it's been a nice addition, ” McCracken said.
The Chef at the Market has also been popular with guests asking general questions. There are also weekly recipe cards available featuring fresh ingredients from the market.
“Chef Susan shows up in her chef jacket and walks through and answers questions … we will probably build on that next year, ” McCracken said.
Next year, market organizers are hopeful more visitors will try the market tours with the featured chef, where the chef will do an informative walk-through of the market while answering questions.
“It's been a great year and we continue to grow, ” McCracken said.
This is the 18th year for the Cochrane Farmers' Market, operated and sponsored by the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee (CEAC). Run by CEAC volunteers, all the proceeds from the market go to support CEAC in its effort to make Cochrane a more environmentally aware and active community.
The Cochrane Farmers' Market is an Alberta Approved Farmers' Markets, as approved by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD). The ARD criteria require markets to maintain an 80/20 local/non-local split; local determined as from within the province.
The last Farmers' Market of the season will be hosted on Oct. 1 at the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site, located just off Highway 1A.
For more information, visit the official Facebook page at the ‘Cochrane Farmers' Market.
