(The Market at Red Deer)

By Sheldon Spackman

Making Adjustments

Alberta farmers’ markets readjusting plans for the upcoming season

May 1, 2020 | 5:34 PM

Several farmers’ markets throughout central Alberta are readjusting their plans for the upcoming season following Thursday’s announcement from the province that markets across Alberta will be able to open later this month.

The opening of farmers’ markets as early as May 14 is among the many highlights outlined in Stage 1 of the government’s plan to relaunch the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provincial officials note, however, that physical distancing requirements of two metres will remain in place through all stages of relaunch and hygiene practices will continue to be required of businesses and individuals, along with instructions for Albertans to stay home when exhibiting symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat.

Officials with the Market at Red Deer say they are working with the City of Red Deer to create a new plan for the upcoming season, which usually opens on May Long Weekend and continues until Thanksgiving weekend each year. The event is normally held in the Servus Arena parking lot every Saturday morning, and was most recently hoping to begin in July.

Elsewhere, officials with the Sylvan Lake Farmers’ Market anticipate operating this year, though not until June 5 or 12 – noting Town approvals would be required first.

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“We will be spacing vendors further apart which will decrease the number of vendors that we can accommodate at the market,” say Market officials. “Food trucks are permitted at the market but people must take their food with them, there will be no seating areas to sit and eat. As well, there will be no entertainers at markets this year.”

“We are so thankful that we are able to continue to provide an outlet for local marketers and growers to sell their quality products,” reads a statement from Market officials. “We will have fresh veggies, fruits, meats, baking, frozen foods, dips, honey, cheese, fresh roasted coffee, wines, beers, spirits, preserves, body products, and crafts of many varieties. Please come and shop and support Alberta growers and producers.”

Elsewhere, officials with the Innisfail Farmer’s Market say they have no plans in place at the moment, pointing out it depends on when the Innisfail Arena opens.

“That is where the market is held. The Town doesn’t want us to use the parking lot because they would not be able to control the people,” reads a statement from market officials.

Several other area markets now making new plans for the upcoming season include Lacombe, Bentley, Delburne and Rocky Mountain House.