The Moose Jaw Homegrown Farmer’s Market is well underway, and with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions across the province, area residents are eager to get out, shop and mingle with friends, all while supporting the local economy.
“We’re doing well,” said board member Julie-Anne Howe, who helps organize the event each year along with the help of two other members. “It’s been nice to see the amount of tourism traffic now that restrictions have lifted. The spa in moose jaw is booked solid, and we’re seeing more and more tourist support.”
Moose Jaw and area vendors will be out every Saturday from 8-1 on Langdon Crescent showcasing and selling their goods, all of which have been made or grown by the vendors themselves.
“We have always been a ‘maker’s market,’” Howe said. “We really want to make sure that we’re honourably serving our clients, so when they purchase something they know who made it and that it’s going back into the local economy.”
One thing that has particularly impressed Howe about this year’s assortment of vendors has been their ability to think on their feet and change things up in order to get through these difficult times.
Travis Blanchard, a performing musician, quickly came up with his new business, Rave BBQ Rubs, while unable to perform due to COVID restrictions. Tara McMillan, a fellow board member for the farmer’s market, began selling cloth masks last year for her new business called A Mask About Protection, and has been busy doing so ever since.
Although last year’s market was a challenge and saw less of a turnout due to pandemic restrictions, Howe still feels fortunate that the market was deemed essential. While the local growers fared well last year, artisans did not do as well, likely due to the financial strain created by the pandemic.
“That’s also a reflection of the tourism industry,” Howe explained. “A lot of that is souvenirs that tourists would take home.”
Plans are also in the works for indoor markets during the cooler months, one on November 13 and one on December 4. Three of the four indoor markets planned for last year had to be cancelled due to COVID restrictions, but Howe is hopeful that everything will go according to plan this year.
There are 24 vendors so far this year, and applications are still being accepted for this season, which runs until Thanksgiving weekend. Farmers, gardeners, bakers, artisans, non-profit organizations, musicians are all encouraged to register at mjhomegrownmarket.com.
