The Downtown Market. (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

DOWNTOWN MARKET

Downtown Business Association seeks farmers market partner

Jan 31, 2025 | 11:13 AM

The Red Deer Downtown Business Association (DBA) is seeking a new partner to take over the operation of the Downtown Market, which is held weekly in the summer on Little Gaetz Avenue.

The DBA is hoping to find a partner who can deliver unique market experience that supports the needs of the diverse local community, with the goal of ensuring consistency, longevity and innovation. With DBA support, this new partner is also expected to contribute to the vision of a thriving downtown.

The DBA says it has been working to drive foot traffic downtown and create economic vibrancy for 40 years, through initiatives like promotion, beautification, placemaking and events. It supports event organizers in addition to delivering its own calendar of events, including the Downtown Market, Ross Street Patio musical entertainment, North Poll Stroll and Polar Glow.

The Downtown Market has been offering a range of goods and supporting local vendors for 13 years. It is an Alberta Farmers Market Association (AFMA) accredited market and provides benefits to vendors such as the ability to sell home-made goods without the need for a commercial kitchen, the DBA says.

In recent years, the Market has faced challenges such as a decrease in vendor participation and attendees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work from home trends and market saturation. The DBA hopes to find a partner that can ensure the Market’s success and growth despite these challenges.

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The DBA says it will provide financial and in-kind resources to support this new partner, including funding, road closure staffing, marketing, navigation of municipal requirements, knowledge transfer, and collaboration on a transition plan to become an independent operator.

Potential partners must have or be working towards a not-for-profit status as required by the AFMA. They must also identify a market manager to run the event and maintain AFMA accreditation.

Interested parties can send inquiries to info@downtownreddeer.com, or applications can be made online until the Feb. 28 deadline.

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