Experience Drayton Valley Photos Courtesy of Evergreen Market
Whether looking for fresh produce in-season, or arts, or crafts and gift ideas year round, a visit to the long-running Evergreen Farmers’ Market in Drayton Valley will not disappoint. The market, which features 60 to 120 vendors depending on the day and time of year, has been running in Drayton Valley locations for more than 40 years, says Colleen Schoeninger, market manager. Drayton Valley is located on Highway 22 about a 1.5-hour drive southwest of Edmonton, or about three hours northwest of Calgary. The Drayton Valley and District Agricultural Society operate the market. The regular Wednesday market (10:30 am - 1:30 pm) operated out of the Drayton Valley curling rink for many years. Then with the addition of a Saturday market once a month, and the need for more space, the market moved in 2017 to a vacant building known locally as the Wellhouse on Industrial Road. The Drayton Valley Evergreen Farmers’ Market has been to some extent a victim of its own success, says Schoeninger.
“It continues to grow in popularity both from vendors and customers, so we needed a larger, more permanent home,” she says. “For 2018 find us in Mackenzie Centre located at 5737 45 Ave. in the Omniplex.” Saturday markets were held in January and February; the regular Wednesday markets begin March 7. More details can be found on the market website at: dvevergreenfarmersmarket.ca for updates. Schoeninger estimates the market has 25,000 customer visits each year. Weekly Wednesday markets draw about 500 visitors, while the Saturday market draws from 800 to 1,500 visitors. “In the immediate trading area in and around Drayton Valley we have a population of about 14,000 people,” says Schoeninger. “So the market is well supported by folks in the region.” The weekly Wednesday market accommodates between 50 and 70 vendors. Along with arts, crafts and homemade food products, which are showcased each week, during the growing season the market also features several vendors with a wide range of fresh produce from local gardens and farms.
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