Annual farmers’ market packs up for the season

WINNIPEG — As fall draws to a close, so does the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.

The 25th annual market is a tradition for some and still brings in newcomers.

“We had a fabulous year this year, in terms of people coming out,” said Marilyn Firth, the market’s community relations manager. “Every year we grow a little bit, and we have grown this year as well with more vendors coming out.”

More and more people are embracing local food producers, Firth said. On a Saturday, the market can see as many as 10,000 people pass through.

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“It’s just fresh — you know it’s fresh. You know where it came from and you just know that you’re supporting local, which is pretty cool,” one shopper said.

The market site is currently under construction, with much of it being raised to help solve drainage issues for next year.

“New walkways, new pathways and entrances and a lot more trees” are going in, Firth said. “Some environmentally sound drainage at the back of the market, where there we be a ditch and eventually native plants.”

Betty Jagodnik of Grammie’s Jams, Jellies and Preserves has been selling her goods at the market for eight year, and is excited about the renovations.

“I can remember one time when I was here and I was standing in ankle-deep water trying to serve customers,” she said. “You want customers to have a pleasant experience; improving the drainage will do that.”

The market has become a “fun for the whole family” experience and next year promises to be even better, First said.