MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s Homegrown Farmers Market is set to return to Langdon Crescent to mark the start of another season of local flavour and handmade goods starting Saturday, May 31.
The outdoor market, which will run whether rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, is still about a month away — but organizers are already in high gear.
“We’re filling up really quickly,” said Diane Kramski, manager of the farmers’ market. “I have maybe three spots left (as of April 11).”
Returning to its regular downtown location, the market will once again host a vibrant mixture of long-time favourites and some exciting new additions. Kramski noted that some regular vendors— including Prairie Bee Meadery, the McMahon Hutterite Colony with their vegetables and beef, and a variety of crafters and bakers — will be returning.
This year will also see an influx of new faces, with some fresh products and two new musicians set to attend.
“We have a lot of new vendors coming, so that’s exciting,” she said.
While most vendor categories are well represented, Kramski said there’s still room — although limited — for those offering products such as spices, candles, eggs, and jewelry.
After a pause on the sale of farm-fresh eggs at previous farmers’ markets in Saskatchewan due to proposed changes in the provincial Food Safety Regulations, market vendors are now able to sell eggs once again.
Kramski noted that market vendors wishing to sell eggs must adhere to specific requirements, including washing, properly labelling, and keeping the eggs stored at 4 C.
With a cap of around 31 vendor spots due to limited space, Kramski carefully balances the lineup to avoid too much overlap in vendor offerings.
“We only have limited space, so we don’t want to double up on (the same type of vendor)…, like (having) a lot of bakers,” she explained.
Among the list of confirmed vendors are soap and body product makers, African and Mexican food vendors, a woodworking artist, a flower grower, and sellers of preserves, crafts, honey, and fresh baking.
Musical entertainment is also returning, with two new buskers scheduled to perform throughout the season.
The Homegrown Farmers Market remains a rain-or-shine event and is set to continue drawing hundreds of visitors each weekend.
“We look forward to seeing everyone attend again this year,” Kramski added.
Those interested in applying as a vendor can visit MJHomeGrownMarket.com. Food vendors are required to fill out a public health form, also available on the website.
Once open, the market will continue every Saturday along the 400 block of Langdon Crescent, across from the Moose Jaw Public Library in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw.
