You may have shopped there on occasion, or you may have been a regular. People came back because there was always something fresh, homemade and tasty at the Unity Farmers' Market that was restarted last year in Unity by Carmen Bowker.
Bowker and her husband Curtis, along with their girls, farm North of Unity.
Bowker said she likes to shop at farmers' markets and stops at every one she sees. She loves the variety and different things that can be locally made. With these thoughts in mind, Carmen decided that there was enough talent in this community and why not have a farmers' market right here.
The official motto of the Saskatchewan Farmer's market association is "make it, bake it, grow it," expanding on the notion consumers are looking for homemade goods they know the origin of. With the limited space, Unity's Farmers' Market, has been kept to the home grown or homemade products for shoppers to purchase.
Last year, there was a core group of six vendors each week while some weeks, depending on the month, the market houses anywhere from three to12 vendors. Largely due to last year's success and the many positive comments received from residents, Bowker decided to proceed with a second year, and her hopes are for this program to turn into an annual event.
Bowker asked for feedback from customers and the public last year. This is how the decision came to move to a downtown location for easier access to those who work and for seniors, in addition to making the market compatible with the courtesy car hours of operation. The location this year will be the Friendship Centre and the market will open each Thursday at 2 p.m.
Shoppers can expect much the same as last year with the market offering baked goods, garden produce, plants, farm fresh eggs and crafts. Bowker said she has more crafters asking to come on board and she will start the year with some bedding plants and hanging baskets. The market is hoping to have some fun and unique products for mom for Mother's day, choosing the opening to coincide with Mother's Day for this very reason.
Bowker said she was so pleased with last season she wanted to see it continue and to grow in the community. Bowker says this is the perfect way to merge her gardening passion with a community service. She says, she feels fortunate that others shared her vision and enthusiasm for the market.
The Unity Farmer's Market follows the guidelines of the SFMA that can be found on their website. The rules outline labelling as well as what can and cannot be sold. Other rules can be put in place for each individual farmers' market regarding attendance requirements, membership fees and table sharing.
Bowken said she appreciates a call from those wishing to host a table at the market as it makes it easier to plan each week, but she won't turn anyone away if they show up as a drop in. Tables can be rented for $10 per week. Contact Bowker to book a table or for information at 306-228-2237 (home) 306-210-7733 (cell) or email her at Carmen.bowker@xplornet.com, or you can message her through the Facebook page.
Unity Farmers' Market opens May 8 and it will run weekly until the end of September. They are in initial planning stages of running a special market during the Unity Western Days.
There was no official committee last year, but Bowker acknowledges the help she received. She applauds Carey Baker, director of Economic Development who she deemed as her biggest supporter. Baker worked on advertising and promoting the start up of the market. The vendors always pitched in for set up and close up when Bowker was away. By the end of the season, Bowker says, the program just ran itself. This year she is pleased to have a group of women she can officially call the committee.
Bowker says she doesn't feel it takes much time out of her life to be involved with the market and her kids love the program. They spend time in the greenhouse and garden with her.
"I don't think I would grow any less if there wasn't a market," she says.
