The editor:
The Estevan Farmers' Market has been a part of the Estevan community for many years.
We do our best to support local vendors and charities, and to provide a wide variety of product for our customers.
The market started our 2018 season with sad news – we were notified by William Hofer of Rose Valley Colony that he would be retiring and that Rose Valley Colony would not be returning to our market for the 2018 season.
William Hofer had been a very important part of our market and was a good friend to many of the vendors and those of us on the board of directors. While we were happy for William and wished him well in his retirement, we knew his absence would leave a large void and we were concerned about how our customers would react.
We expected to have some unhappy customers and hoped that bringing in additional produce vendors would help. We were in no way prepared for how the rumours would become so hateful and eventually be focused on another vendor, blaming her for forcing William out of our market.
These rumours have become slanderous towards her, which affects her business as the farmers' market is her livelihood. It has become obvious that something needs to be said to stop these rumours. William Hofer would like us to pass on the following message.
“Contrary to rumors, I retired from gardening which included coming to the market in Estevan, in the fall of 2017. I had travelled to market weekly for 19 years and made many good friends with vendors and customers. At the present time the new gardener has no plans to return to market.
“I have many fond memories of the market, the vendors and the board members. They included me in operational plans and are true friends. My decision to retire was made on family health and my age. I now have a position on the colony.
“I enjoy the work but do miss Estevan market and the people. Please except my sincere thank you for your loyal business and friendships over the years.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers that continue to support us and we look forward to being a part of this community for many more years.
Patricia Thompson
Market Manager
Estevan
