shopping
A Millarville
Farmers’
Market.
B Kayben
Farms
C River Rock
Fudge
The Okotoks Kinsmen Farmers’ Market is a true
labour of love. Started five years ago as a fundraising
initiative, this year the market has its largest group of
vendors yet. Fresh local produce, B.C. fruit, homemade
preserves and baking, along with a smattering of crafts
and artwork, are available for purchase. Even elk meat
is available. The market’s manager, Roger Bayley, is
pleased with the quality of vendors and the market’s
jovial atmosphere. “When you are only four or five
years old you like having fun,” says Bayley, who extends
an invitation to all Okotokians to visit the market.
A short drive down the highway from Okotoks is High
River Farmers’ Market. The High River market focuses
on supporting the area’s farming and cottage industry
entrepreneurs. Shoppers have their choice of locally
produced veggies, honey, fresh baked goods, poultry
and elk, along with standard Canadian brand names
like Watkins and Epicure and other direct-to-market
products. Browse through the tables and you may find
that perfect piece of jewellery or handcrafted item you
were looking for.
For 25 years the Millarville Farmers’ Market has
stayed true to its humble origins of being the most fun
and entertaining Saturday morning shopping trip the
whole family can enjoy. Some shoppers come to buy
the produce that they are too busy to grow in their
own gardens; others to purchase locally raised beef,
elk, poultry or more exotic items such as ostrich and
tropical fruits; while others seek the kind of special
satisfaction that comes from knowing exactly who
baked the fresh bread or cookies they will enjoy later
that day. Need a special mug for the fresh roasted
coffee you just bought? A carafe for the organic fruit
wine? There are local artisans in the market who
create everything from pottery and glassware, to
lawn decorations, to the perfect hat or jacket to wear.
Come for breakfast and wander at will — it will take
all morning to visit the 200 plus vendors at Millarville
Farmers’ Market!
On your way home from Millarville, or perhaps for
a change of pace, take the scenic route through Black
Diamond and enjoy their small town Saturday market.
This is the market where the townsfolk come as much
to socialize as to pick up something for supper.
Also nearby, both the Saskatoon Farm and Kayben
Farms started out as mail-order tree and shrub
businesses. Today they have expanded to viable,
working-garden market farms open to the public.
Stroll the Saskatoon Farm’s western-style main
street, or enjoy the greenhouses, tree plots, home »
“We use the produce
grown on-site and serve
our homemade desserts.
even the bison served
is from our own herd.”
