The Market at Red Deer, or as it’s affectionately known, the Red Deer Farmer’s Market, has welcomed residents for 48 years.
On Saturday, the season ended for what long ago became a staple of Red Deer and weekend tradition in the community.
Founder Dennis Moffat says it’s always bittersweet on the final day of the market season.
“You’re happy that you’re going to be able to sleep in next Saturday morning, but you’re kind of sad because it’s what I do all summer,” he says.
“These folks keep plugging along and they work hard. They really do a good job. They’re pleasant and they’re honest.”
The market, which averaged 160 vendors weekly in 2018, did go through a rough patch this summer for about four weeks because of poor weather, Moffat explains.
Nonetheless, everyone soldiered on.
“It’s unbelievable to me. It’s social magic that people just love to be with other people doing their grocery shopping and visiting,” he says.
“We’re moving next year back to our home in front of the (Servus) arena. I’d like to say a big thank you to the folks of the Waskasoo community who welcomed us, helped us and really encouraged us. It was nice to be here.”
Moffat joked that he’ll die eventually, but added, “I’m looking forward to accomplishing 50 years and then handing it over to my son Patrick and daughter Fiona.”
The Market at Red Deer has been in the Memorial Centre parking lot since 2016. It temporarily relocated there so that the new Servus Arena could be built where the old Red Deer Arena once stood.
