When the season comes, the Estevan Farmers’ Market will be opening at 8:30 a.m. and operate until 1 p.m., as opposed to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as it was last year. The decision was made during the annual general meeting held on Feb. 12.
Patricia Thompson, who manages the markets, explained that they had a trial year last season, but it didn’t work out for some vendors as well as for some clients. And the board agreed from now on to come back to the once traditional schedule.
“The later time in time didn’t really work that well. We also had some customers unhappy with a later start time. So this year we voted and it was determined, we are changing our hours. Once and for all our hours for our outdoor market will be 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” said Thompson.
At the meeting, the board was also approached by the Estevan Exhibition Association, the Estevan Public Library and Josh LeBlanc on behalf of the Rafferty Rumble organizing committee. All organizations made presentations and invited the Farmers’ Market to join them for their events.
After discussion, the board decided not to participate in Estevan Fair and Rodeo. They also decided to have the market at their regular location during the Rafferty Rumble weekend.
“We voted ‘no’ to joining those organizations just because it would mean ... relocating for those dates, and it’s just not an option for us because we still have to have our market available at its usual location for those vendors that don’t want to attend those other functions and just want to remain at their usual site, and it’s less confusing for our customers as well,” said Thompson.
The Estevan Farmers’ Market will partake in the Estevan Public Library’s Books in Bloom event on March 28 at the Leisure Centre. Thompson explained that this event will take place before the Farmers’ Market season begins and won’t interfere with their regular schedule. It will become a lead up to their spring market.
The markets this year will start in April with three indoor sales at the Estevan Shoppers’ Mall taking place on April 18, 25 and May 2. After that, on May 9 the vendors will move out to the Shoppers’ Mall’s parking lot where they will be every Saturday throughout the late spring, summer and early fall until October.
The list of vendors is not finalized yet. Some vendors may change, and some new ones may join the Farmers’ Market community.
“We are hoping to see everyone come back. We are always looking for new vendors as well,” said Thompson.
Estevan Farmers' Market will have a variety of baking, produce, handcrafted items and home-based businesses presented. Thompson added that they are also looking for all kinds of entertainment groups to participate in markets.
Those willing to join the market in one way or the other can text Thompson through the Estevan Farmers Market Facebook page.
