ESTEVAN — The Estevan Farmers Market officially proclaimed the beginning of the 2024 season with its first indoor sale on April 20 at the Estevan Market Mall.
The next indoor sale will take place April 27, then the two following Saturdays, May 4 and 11, will see indoor and outdoor sales, weather permitting. After that, the Estevan Farmers Market will switch to an outdoor format and will run until Oct. 12. The event will occur every week from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the mall's parking lot.
Market manager Marilyn Simons said the Hutterite truck won't be joining the market this season, but they are excited to have eight local vegetable producers providing fresh homegrown vegetables to the community. They also expect to have more people selling plants this spring.
There are between 30 and 40 vendors that are staying current with the market for outdoor sales. Besides plants and later vegetables, the market will offer fruit, eggs, baking, microgreens, honey, pasture-raised beef and pork, canning, knitting, crocheting, jewellery, children’s and adult clothing, pens, pet treats, charcuterie board, custom tumblers, Tupperware, Watkins and more.
Simons noted they are open to more participants for the outdoor sales.
"We always accept applications. It's too late to join as an indoor vendor this spring, but we're always looking for vendors for the outside. And then if you get your application in now, if you want you'll be on the list for Christmas," Simons said.
They also welcome all kinds of local non-profits.
"We love to support the non-profits in our community. Anytime in the summer, they get a free table. They can come out [for outdoor sales] and either cook meals for the customers to earn some money, or to sell tickets to whatever they're fundraising for. They just have to reach out and book a date. And we don't even have a limit on how many can come each week," Simons explained.
The market will also bring in themed days again this year, including Christmas in July, Riders' day, customer appreciation day and a kids' day.
"We are timing our kids' day for October 12 and we're going to have it as Halloween, so the kids can come out dressed up as their favourite characters," Simons noted.
Follow the Estevan Farmers Market on Facebook for regular updates and vendor lineups. With any questions, reach out to Simons at estevanfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
