With summer usually comes that slow easy feeling of school being out, schedules not so rushed and that desire to hang out with friends and spend time together. The Chestermere Ag Society has another reason to look forward to summer and that is the kick off of another successful farmers market season.
In early 2015, the Chestermere Ag Society began planning the Farmers Market when they say they realized there was a desire in Chestermere for a market again. The Chestermere Agricultural Society opened for business in the summer of 2015.
The Chestermere Ag Society Farmers Market will run from May 28th – October 1st, 2016 inclusive. “The first market will be held at Camp Chestermere on May 28th, as it coincides with Country Connections, the spring festival that the Chestermere Ag Society puts on every year. The rest of the markets will be held in a lovely location right beside the lake at the Chestermere public library parking lot at 105B Marina Road every Saturday from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm”, explains Andrea Fleming.
With something for everyone, Fleming explains, “We have an amazing line up of vendors: Leggings by JK Apparel, Kranks Gourmet pepper jellies, Raw Sauerkraut by Holy Kraut, Rustic Blue shabby chic crafts and signs, Brenda’s Best Organics body products, Dog treats from Pawsitively Delicious Treatery, Gourmet cupcakes from Pink Polka Dots, Macarons from Just Bite Me, Fairy Gardens by Kellie, Simple Simon Pies, JD spuds has a bit of everything from veggies, eggs, and farm fresh chickens to cinnamon buns and honey, Blue St Blues jewellery, Silicone teething jewellery from Benjamin’s Buttons, Gardening Decor and plants from The Passionate Gardener, Facepainting by Charlene’s Creative Creations, Beautiful wreaths by Heather, popcorn and popcorn balls from Canadian Popcorn Supplies, grocery Bags n’ Go, Silver Jewellery by Charisma, Bandit Burgers and Pyrogy Boyz Food trucks, Babiyo Nappy Cakes, Glaze upon my work pottery, Gluten and dairy free vegan cheese and other goodies from Prana Kitchen, plants from Garden Scents and more!”
Of course, there are other markets in Chestermere and surrounding areas, so I asked Fleming what makes their market stand out. “The Chestermere AG Society Farmers’ Market is a not for profit market that is situated right beside the lake. The market is run entirely by volunteers. The Library has also generously donated their parking lot for us to use. Our market is an Alberta Approved Market. As such, 80% of our vendors must home make, home bake or home grow the products they are selling. We feel it is a lovely way to support local people who might not otherwise be able to sell their product on a larger scale. Our goal is to make our market to be the place to be on Saturdays by offering something for everyone. We will have face painting and bouncy castles and other activities for the kids, and lots of different items for sale. Every week will be bigger and better!”
The Chestermere Agricultural Society was chartered on January 24th, 1975 by law under the authority of the Agricultural Societies Act of Alberta and they then formed their own Association in the spring of 2015.
Fleming adds, “The Chestermere Agricultural Society is proud to be an active part of the community in Chestermere and the surrounding county. One of our goals is to create a larger sense of community through activities such as our Farmers’ Market, Country Connections – the spring festival May 27th and 28th, the fall Fair September 9th and 10th, and our new 4-H beekeeping program. We are always looking for volunteers to help with our programs. If you would like information about any of these activities or to volunteer, we can be reached at chestermereagsociety@gmail.com”.
