LAC LA BICHE - After taking its seasonal winter hiatus, the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market is set to open again on March 22.
The weekly markets, that run from March-December and is held from Fridays from 3-5:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Agricom, feature vendors from the Lac La Biche area and beyond selling a variety of products ranging from locally grown vegetables to baked foods, crafts, and much more. According to Bev Tkachuk, the manager of the Lac La Biche Farmers Market, most of the long-time vendors will be returning this year. So far, she added, 25 of those vendors are from the local area.
“We had 110 vendors sign up with us last year… most of our regulars are back and we always have new and different interested vendors,” Tkachuk told Lakeland This Week.
The final farmers’ markets of 2023 - the traditional Christmas markets - took place in the first three weeks of December. Tkachuk said these markets, which included prizes, cake, and pictures with Santa Claus himself, were a great way to end the season.
In recent weeks, in preparation for the start of the new season, a start-up meeting was held at the Lakeland Agricom. Tkachuk explained that a health inspector from Alberta Health Services (AHS), answered food related questions with the 20 vendors who were present along with the 15 who attended remotely via conference call. Tkachuk said rules and regulations, special markets for the year, along with any questions and concerns the vendors had were discussed and addressed.
Tkachuk, who was presented with the Outstanding Market Manager of the Year Award during the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA) awards event earlier this year, said farmers’ markets are a major part of agri-trade in Alberta, and are the best locations to purchase directly from producers.
“Farmers markets can be an incubator for new small business,” she said, adding that markets can accommodate sellers who want to stay at the market level to those who have a bigger vision for their business. “It can be a starting point or a place to stay.”
This year marks 51 years of operations for the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market. Over the years, Tkachuk said, the market has moved from the downtown core to its present location on the Lac La Biche Ag Grounds. Slowly, she said, things have been added to improve the experience of the weekly market. These include physical changes such as the addition of the outdoor concession area, wind break walls, point of sale electronic equipment, a new sound system, and on-site entertainment.
Despite all the changes around the booths, when it comes to the products, most have remained close to home, with vegetables, baking, fresh fruits, and home-crafted items drawing the crowds each week.
Tkachuk said those involved with the farmers markets believe one of the reasons why this weekly community gathering has stood the test of time and flourished is because the basics have remained the same.
“We have a few vendors that are second generation with us,” she said, adding that vendors also enjoy relatively low costs to take part in the markets. “Fees are kept low to not discourage small home businesses.”
While opening day is March 22, there with be a farmers' market held on Good Friday, with an Easter party taking place next door under the pavilion on the Ag grounds. The market will be open every Friday at the Lac La Biche Agricultural Grounds until Dec. 13.
