Andrew Tyszkiewicz of European Sausage & Deli, grills up some sausages at The Market at Red Deer, where he's been a vendor since 1991. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

the original

The Market at Red Deer closes book on 52nd year

Oct 8, 2022 | 12:32 PM

Another year — the 52nd, to be precise — is in the books for The ‘Original’ Market at Red Deer.

The Moffatt family, comprised of kids Patrick and Fiona, and father Dennis, have continued to keep the market alive through nothing short of sheer will and determination, watching the market thrive in 2022 despite some lean pandemic years and a changing appetite for markets.

The ‘kids’ are of course grown, but they have fun with it, says Patrick.

“Our vendor numbers are down from closer to 200 at this time to about 110 weekly. We’ve checked with other markets and we’re not sure quite why that is, but plenty of people continue to come out every Saturday. It’s always gone up and down,” he says.

“It feels the same every year to end it: bittersweet. We’ve had really nice weather this year, but after 22 weeks, one does with to sleep in for once on a Saturday. Many vendors just want to keep coming back, but the weather won’t continue to allow for that.”

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Though it’s the same feeling, there’s one thing that always surprises the Moffatts.

“It’s the people; their happiness and the laughing. That’s what we love most is when the crowd gets here and you hear them enjoying themselves.

“I looked up this word and I think it fits well for what the market represents,” Patrick adds. It’s ‘katimavik’ which is Inuktitut for ‘meeting place.’ That’s what our father Dennis has always strived to bring to Red Deer; a place to meet grow.”

One man that’s been vending at the market, and is usually one of the first two or three on-site, is Andrew Tyszkiewicz with European Sausage & Deli.

Originally from Poland, Tyszkiewicz has been selling his sausage at The Market at Red Deer since 1991.

“It’s the customers that keeps me coming back of course, because they drive the business. They like our quality. If you look after your business, which I have for 31 years here and 40 years overall, it looks after you. With everyone that comes to us, it means a lot that they continue to show support, for us and the market,” says Tyszkiewicz, who’s up at 2 a.m. to arrive at 5 and start frying onions.

“The market is where people come together to meet their friends, talk, walk around. It’s a big social event. Over the winter, people go in, and then the market reunites people.”

Tyszkiewicz and crew sell 200 to 300 sausages daily.

For now, the Moffatts wish everyone happy Thanksgiving.

“I want to thank everyone for this 2022 season,” says Patrick. “We enjoy your company and we’re looking forward to next year.”