For 50 years, the popular Wetaskiwin Farmers Market has served as a staple in the community. As one of the earliest established markets in Alberta, it exists to promote Alberta-grown, baked and made products.
The market operates year-round and is located on the Wetaskiwin Agricultural Grounds, taking only a couple of weeks off during the Christmas holidays into January. It is currently open on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and sees between 30 and 50 regular vendors each week.
Despite its popularity, the market comes from humble beginnings, starting when a handful of locals sought ways to supplement their income and provide for their families.
They gathered a group of makers, bakers and growers and held the first Wetaskiwin Farmers Market in 1973, laying the foundations for the market for generations to come.
The first markets were held in the Wetaskiwin Drill Hall for a few hours on Wednesday evenings.
It moved to the Wetaskiwin Mall in the 1980s, where it remained until 2021, when the market relocated to the Agricultural Grounds. The move allowed for more vendors and an indoor/outdoor market.
Market managers Val and Stan Morrow got creative in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding a pre-order and pop-up market at the Wetaskiwin Mall parking lot. This unique pivot allowed the market to survive the pandemic.
On July 26, the market returned to its first home at the Drill Hall to celebrate 50 years in style.
An estimated 1,200 people and over 50 vendors attended the event.
Guests enjoyed a ribbon cutting ceremony, free mini cupcakes from long-time vendor Cindy Kroetch from Crème de La Cakes, Whatever Floats your Goat petting zoo and four local food trucks: Graze; Abby’s Dogs, Burgers, & Fries; Mini Donuts by Ed; Shuga Shak.
In addition, six lucky customers went home with free door prize baskets, along with one guest receiving a $50 gift card.
The market returns to the Agricultural Grounds following the celebration. Information on vendors and weekly updates are available on the Wetaskiwin Farmers Market Facebook page.