Millarville Farmer's Market Magazine, 2016

JUNE 18

to

OCTOBER 8 2016

40YEARS Sheep Creek Weavers & Fibre Arts Guild CELEBRATING

OPEN SATURDAYS 9 AM - 2 PM

Discover us 40 minutes south of Calgary on Hwy 2

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

Antique & Art Walk of Alberta - Open Daily

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18 Hole Golf Course - Campground - Farmers’ Market - Museums - Nanton Nite Rodeo Bomber Command Museum - Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre ...

antiquewalk.com

nanton.ca

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CON TE NTS

MRAS ~ Message from Operations Manager

5 WELCOME ~ Message from Market Manager 6 EVENTS ~ List of MRAS Events for 2016 8 OUR VENDORS ~ List of Market Vendors for 2016 10 COVER STORY ~ The Sheep Creek Weavers and Fibre Arts Guild 13 MARKET GROUNDS MAP 14 RECIPE ~ Vegetable Stock 16 CONCESSION ~ Spolombos 18 WHAT’S IN SEASON ~ Colouring Page 20 FEATURE ~ Southern Alberta Land Trust Society 22 BACK ROADS ~ Kloiber’s Meats

CONTRIBUTORS

JUNE 18

to

OCTOBER 8 2016

CELEBRATING 40YEARS Sheep Creek Weavers & Fibre Arts Guild

ON THE COVER Sheep Creek Weavers Art and Fibre Guild Photo by Neville Palmer routes media special publication

M i l l a r v i l l e F a r m e r s’ M a r k e t 2 0 1 6

OPEN SATURDAYS 9AM - 2PM

Sharon Dechaine Pat Fream Veronica Kloiber Neville Palmer Justin Thompson Sandra Wiebe A Routes Media Special Publication www.routesmedia.ca

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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HISTORY, TRADITION AND HONOUR

By Kelly Dinning, Operations Manager

ast fall as daylight hours faded, gardeners retreated, and faithful market goers prepared to wind down the last of their visits to the Millarville Market, the MRAS was gearing up for its next big event – the Christmas Market!

Indeed, each year we only have a very short turnaround time; three weeks to transform our vibrant summer venue to an enchanting Christmas scene … a dramatic shift, but we make it happen!

Last year our three-day Christmas Market, held in November attracted a whopping 22,000 visitors! This robust surge of market enthusiasm broke attendance records for every event we’ve had since1905. In other words, our province may be caught in an economic down cycle, but folks still love Christmas, and a pretty country scene hits the spot!

Our Children’s Only Store was a huge success! This little wonderland welcomed children to shop on their own and find delightful treasures for their friends and family. All items were donated and priced under $10. A new addition to the store this year was Mrs. Claus, cheerfully perched at the door where she could greet each miniature shopper with a warm welcome and a candy cane. In all the store netted $4,300! Proceeds were donated to the Black Diamond, Millarville and Turner Valley schools in support of their student lunch programs. A portion was also donated to the Foothills Helping Hands organization to assist local families. Although MRAS is a not-for-profit society, it never hesitates to seize an opportunity to invest in families and give back to our community!

As you can imagine, pulling off a three-day Christmas Market could not happen without the extraordinary commitment of many volunteers. In our case, we are fortunate to have a collection of people from local user groups who are ready and willing to collect our gate admission, man our Information Booth, sell 50/50 tickets and clean up the grounds after events. These groups share our facilities throughout the year and return the favour by signing up and stepping up every time we need them. It’s a win-win relationship!

In this magazine, we are thrilled to be featuring one of our longstanding user groups, Sheep Creek Weavers and Fibre Arts Guild, who happen to be celebrating their 40th anniversary. Congratulations to all of you dedicated crafters!

As a person who struggles even to thread a needle, I am captivated by creative people and always enjoy my Thursday trips to the Hall to converse with this dynamic group.

The Racetrack is one incredibly fortunate Society to have so many dedicated people contributing to its success.

A huge shout out and Thank You to all of you.

We have a full season planned and we hope to see plenty of you!

See you at the Market!!

Kelly Dinning, Operations Manager

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WELCOME

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By Melonie Mckee, Market Manager

elcome to the 34th year of the Millarville Farmers’ Market and year five of this little magazine.

Personally, I am into my fourth year as the Millarville Farmers’ Market manager and I am enthusiastic to share with you what we curated for you this year.

Although the dynamics of the Market vary from year to year, the artisans that stock our market never cease to amaze me. They are dedicated, experienced and committed to sustaining local markets with locally produced and grown items - something that seems to mean more to visitors with each passing year.

Each year our vendors bring a wide variety of healthy, creative options to feed and inspire the diverse Market goer.

Everything from traditional Mexican empanadas, horseshoe metal art, kombucha tea, salsas, fresh cut flowers, a variety of art, baked goods, curio wood pieces, and handmade crafts, to bath and body products.

New this season we offer a healthy food choice rewards program for kids aged four to 12 years old. For every $2 healthy fruit, veggie or protein purchase made from a participating vendor, consumers receive a stamp on their personal punch card. Once the card is full, after visiting either five vendors, or the same vendor over a five-week period, they

will receive $5 Kids Kash. This reward money can be spent anywhere in the market, with any vendor. We believe this is a great way to get the kids more involved in the shopping, making healthy choices and decisions, gaining confidence in their financial transactions, and interacting on their own with the vendors.

Adding to the healthy theme for kids, we will have free yoga on selected market days. Come and check it out or drop off the kids while you visit your favourite vendor, or grab a specialty coffee.

We will be showcasing a few of our local user groups such as Millarville Musical Ride and Paws ’N’ Effect in the infield.

Watch for dates and times for these free events on Facebook, Twitter and website.

From our amazing family to yours, thank you for supporting the Millarville Farmers’ Market and supporting local!

Happy Shopping!

Melonie McKee, Market Manager

*For further details or to learn about volunteer opportunities please go to our website. You don’t know what you’re missing.

Frank O’Brien, Maintenance Manager

Lorelei Wendland, Bookkeeper/ Administrative Assistant

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Along most highways in Alberta you can see the "Sunny Girl" logo announcing the existence of an Alberta Approved farmers’ market nearby. The Alberta Approved Farmers' Market Program supports farmers, food artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists who make, bake, or grow the products they sell. In order to be an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market, 80 per cent of our vendors must make, bake or grow their products. The remaining 20 per cent is to allow for BC fruit and other items that add to the market mix. Resale of product is not allowed.

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

2016 USER GROUPS: Calgary Regional Trail Riders 4H Cattle Club High Country Pony Club Millarville Musical Ride Millarville Mutts & Mustangs Paws ‘n Effect Saddle Sores Sheep Creek Weavers and Fibre Arts Guild Other local Clubs who support MRAS Bhriomhar School of Irish Dance Foothills Skating Club

Who’s Sunny Girl?

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EV EN TS

111TH

M I L L A RV I L L E RACES

JULY 1

2016

EVENTS START AT NOON UNDER AGE 12 FREE

$10 PERSON JULY 1

A day of horse racing action, shopping a smaller version of the Millarville Farmers’ Market and delighting in children’s activities through the afternoon. Spectators also can spend the day enjoying the beer garden, VIP areas, gather to look over the horses in the paddock area before placing bets and laughing as the kids barrel across the infield in sack and three-legged races. (no dogs please).

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

$10/person (under age 12 FREE) 12 – 6 pm (Gates Open at 11am) 403.931.3411 millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/races/

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» June 17, 2017 »

JULY 22-24

An unforgettable weekend of western activities and rodeo action. Three memorable days loaded with live music, dancing, rodeo action, family entertainment, beer garden, farmers’ market, local arts and culture, and good old foothills fun. The weekend is also fully integrated with the Millarville Farmers’ Market on rodeo Saturday so come early and enjoy a day of shopping before stepping over for a day of infield action. The beer garden will feature local live entertainment all weekend so bring your dancing boots. (no dogs please). $15 / Adults or $5 /Ages 6-12 6:30pm Friday / 1pm Saturday & Sunday 403.931.3411 millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/rodeo/

SAVE THE DATE

Registrations and Details are at millarvillehalfmarathon.com routes media special publication

M i l l a r v i l l e F a r m e r s’ M a r k e t 2 0 1 6

EVENTS

109th +

August 20-21, 2016

Along for the Ride!

9:00 am - 4:00 pm each day

Saturday & Sunday

Founded in 1907 this Fair is one of the last great traditional old-time Agricultural Fairs in Canada. Today the Fair is a wondrous extravaganza with a Kid’s World, a petting zoo, big horses, small horses, hayrides, roping competitions and ribbons awarded in junior events ranging from photography to baking to 4-H. These are action filled days as well, including a multitude of competition ribbons and a parade, as well as a full day integrated with the Millarville Farmers’ Market. Come out and enjoy the Fair or be a particpant by submitting your crafts, baking, grains and animals for a winning ribbon. (no dogs please). $5 /person, 8 and Under Free 9 am – 4 pm 403.931.3411 www.millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/fair/

4th

NOV 10-13

A country Christmas market with fabulous art, craft, decorations, artisan food, gifts and more.

Indoor and outdoor events. Family fun with free hay rides, Santa’s workshop, pony rides and photos with Santa and kids only shopping tent featuring Mrs. Clause and photos with Santa's Reindeer. (no dogs please).

November 10 (12 pm - 8pm) November 11 (12 pm - 8pm) November 12 (12 pm - 8pm) November 13 (10 am – 5 pm ) $10 /vehicle or $5 /person 403.931.2404 millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/christmas-market/

» June 5, 2017 »

Registrations and Details are at millarvilleracetrack.com routes media special publication

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SAVE THE DATE

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

AUG 20-21

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OU R VE ND O R S

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Aches & Pains B Gone Agnes in August Alasha Lantinga Alberta Biltong Company Alberta Potter Association Allan Palmer Alpine Vista Publishers Angela's Artisans Olives Annabelle's Silver & Crafts Anna's Hungarian Baking Arsumber Natural Crafts Art C Creations Auroma natural Products Aurora Intergrated Technologies Inc. Baby Appeal Co Berit Havre Designs Big Blue Moma Bird-Brainiac Boards to Blankets Bodhi Fitness Boho Creations Bow Wow's Bakery Ltd. Bragg Creek Oil & Vinegar Market Brant Colony Brassard Greenhouses Broxburn Vegetables Buckles and Beads Bugsy's Produce Butterfly Designs Cain's Mustard Calgary Mini Donuts Camp & Co Canada Sweet Shop Ltd. Caracol Clay Studio Cast Away Cat's Eye Jewelry Chinook Honey Company Ltd. Corabella Works Ltd Country Gables Country Heart Crafts Creative Ironwork& Designs Ltd. Creative Menagerie Cribbage Works (Amur Resources Ltd) Crickle Creek Coffee Crumbs Bakery Crystal Springs Cheese Curzon Connection Deacon's Farm Market Demetra Oils Diesel Clay Dog Lips

Dor-bel Int'l Fine Foods Dunrovin Ranch Designs Earth's Oven Ellie Greets & Unique Arte Elmira Art Studio Essence of the Nile Evil Needle Design Exquisite Barbie Boutique Field Stone Fruit Wines Five Spice Kitchen Fox Jewellery Funky Flower Designs and More…

Gathering Dust Photography Company Gentile Touch Going Nuts Good For You Snacks Ltd. Good Stuff Maple Products Green Acres Farming Company Green It Up Greidanus Honey Mill Happy Faces by Marni Headwaters Clothing Heart n Soul Handbags Heirloom Bears Helens Crafts Hide Away Privacy Screens Hiebert's Vegetables Hillcrest Naturals Holy Kraut Home Creations Inkary Italian Extra Catering Jam Goddess Jakes wood Products Jensen's Taber Corn (Triple D Produce) JillypopSilver JNJ Trickle Trunk John Langevela John Yates Photos Johnny's Fresh Squeezed Lemonade JRRR BBQ Just Write Ink Kaman Pies Kathy Lycka Studio Kathy's Critter House King's Rice and Quinoa KJs All Season Apparel Knotty Wood Construction Company Kodomo Wear Kootenay Bayou Hot Sauce Kruses Bakery

2016

LAGO: Exotic Jewelry & Design Lam Chi Trading Ltd. Larry's Boots Las Empanaditas and a little more Laurie Casat Designs Lentz metal Works and Designs Little Monkey Metal Works Little Nanny's Kitchen London Kidz Longview Jerky Shop Longview Leather Luc's European Meats MacFarlanes' Mandrill Design Maple Leaf Spice Factory Meadow Creek Sausage & Meat Ltd. Michelle's Market Mish Mash Metal Monkey Business Mountain Image Photography My Bread Natur'el tea Nedscapes Fine Art Photography/ Lumis Knittles Next Gen Red Necks On the Go Creativity Origin Out of Chaos Patrick Landes Pease Blossom Phylosophies Porter Custom Pottery by Pamela Rodger Prairie Perceptions Prehistoric World Inc. Pressed Flower Pendants Pretty Warm & Cool Glass Rainbow Cake Pops Real Treat Rebel Bean Roasters Red Neck Goat Ranch Riehl Art and Design River Rock Fudge Robert Marsh Rock Water Creations Rose's Rugs Ruby Mountain Treasures Rustic Recycled Serving Trays See it in Glass Serrano Studios Shamm's Kitchen

Sirius Bread Soupin' It Up Southern Alberta Pioneers Souto Farms Spirit Hills Ltd. Square Butte Ladies Group Stampede Kettle Corn Stix and Stones Pebble Art Stoked Oats Ltd. Stone Willow Stone, Wood and Stee Studio M Design Suetables Sunrise Berry Farm Svensk Design Webo Syrup Waffles Tasty Living Teagarden Satchels Inc. Terra Farms Inc Thai Manna The Cookie Cupboard The Fibre Ark The Fixer Ltd The Indian Paint Brush The Leathersmith The Salt Cellar Tiempo De Mexico Ltd Timothy Twig Tim's Gourmet Pizza Torill's Table Trick Dog Design Tsk Footwear Alt Ltd Two Springs Ceramics Ukrainian Fine Foods Under the Tin Roof Barnwood Under Wraps Unique Hand Woven Designs Unity Home Care Valerie Walker Booktime Whistling Gypsy Art Pottery & Kathleen O'Neill Saddlery Wild About Flowers Wild Rose Candles Wild Sparkling Tea Kombucha Willow Creek Forge Wills Wood Sculptures Windy Point Soap Making Supplies Wolf Willow Acres Yum Mum Yvonne Martinez

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Little Monkey Metal Works Fire Pits * Wind/Privacy Screens Signs * Gates * Art & Statues Local, Hand-made, High Quality

in our

Little Towns Take a daycation, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and satisfy your desires to play, shop and dine!

Come see our new gallery outside Okotoks!

More event information at: town.blackdiamond.ab.ca turnervalley.ca coollittletowns.com

www.littlemonkeymetal.com 403.995.3913 (Okotoks)

afted r c d n ha

5 Years Publishing

local Alberta’s popular fruit wines now available at your Farmers’ Market!

Alberta’s First Cottage Winery

Est. 2005 www.fieldstonefruitwines.com/find-us routes media special publication

M i l l a r v i l l e F a r m e r s’ M a r k e t 2 0 1 6

Millarville Market Magazine JUNE 14 TO

OCTOBER 11 2014

JUNE 13 TO

OCTOBER 10 2015

JUNE 13 TO

OCTOBER 10 2015

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$3/c

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THE FAMILY THAT WORKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER Greidanus Honey Mill • pg 10

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THE FAMILY THAT WORKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER Greidanus Honey Mill • pg 10

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CO VE R ST O R Y

The Millarville Racing and Agriculture Society is home to several user groups, the largest and most frequent being The Sheep Creek Weavers and Fibre Arts Guild. This year marks their 40th anniversary!

Felted shawl with animal hair,

by Heide Tieleman (Hannah Palmer, model)

By Sandra Wiebe Photos by Neville Palmer

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Hand-dyed and woven silk scarf by Deb Turner (Hannah Palmer, model)

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

Hand-woven carpet

by Bryn Hermanski

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COVER STORY

must admit, though I have experimented with cross stitching, knitting and quilting, all of which tried my coordination, abstract reasoning and patience, I was not prepared for the vibrant atmosphere of a room full of crafters who gathered for a ‘fibre day’ at the Millarville Racetrack Hall. This was hardly the subdued ‘old folks’ scene I expected to encounter.

The Sheep Creek Weavers and Fibre Arts Guild, I learned, is not a handful of elderly matrons quietly perched at looms, or peacefully clacking away with rhythmic knitting needles and lukewarm tea. These enterprising artists are a brazen bunch; raising goats, alpacas and sheep so they can then dye, spin, weave, stitch and felt their fibre into colourful quilts, intricate scarves, and a vast array of hats, skirts, and tea cozies. It is an astonishing event to witness!

“It’s where a shared interest transcends gender, race and culture – we’re like a quilt or choir where every piece and voice matters,” says one of the group’s members.

To me the experience was like peeking inside a bustling beehive; a cozy cone of productive, colourful workers

steeped in laughter, love and genuine sisterhood. Together and in harmony the members of this vibrant colony weave, tie and press centuries of techniques into every meticulously created item.

“This is an incredible guild, unlike any other. We are actually in it to pass on the knowledge that is being lost,” said Darcy Shewchuck, one of only two men in the guild. “This is an authentic gathering, and we support each other outside of the guild as well. It’s random and rare.”

The group began with fewer than 20 members in 1976 and has slowly and consistently swelled over the decades.

“We’ve produced a lot of stuff! It is our passion,” says Pflueger, adding “when family has more than enough we sell it!”

Today the guild is over 90 members strong and they are as prolific as they are colourful. From homeschooling moms to rambunctious seniors, the youngest member is 11 and the oldest is 100 – Mary Andrews, a master weaver who now resides in Banff.

“Some people revel in the techniques, some jump in and be expressive, some are in it for the philosophy of the approach … everyone revels in their chosen path,” says Pflueger.

Bryn Hermanski, Working on a Japanese Saori loom.

“I just try to be as free as possible using textures and colour.”

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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COV ER S T O R Y

Heide Tieleman, wearing Nuno Felted set made from local alpaca wool using a 3000-year-old technique that binds loose fibres together to make cloth.

It’s where a shared interest transcends gender race and culture – like a quilt or choir that every piece and voice matters.

“There is no hierarchy in the group like some others.

We share with each other and keep traditions alive.”

- Lyn Pflueger, guild member

Pflueger, a chemist and former graduate and now teacher at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, now spends most of her time teaching and sharing her knowledge.

She explains that there was a time when this kind of handiwork was done primarily by women and with less value, but like all fine art forms – time changes things.

“Lots of crafters have a business plan and have it as a second job,” she said. “It’s a wonderful second career for working around raising kids and members are creating art that can command gallery shows and prices.”

And so as I tore myself away from the spirited hive of joyful energy, I was more than inspired to return to my own craft room; to dust off my quilting machine and revive my own spark of artful creation. I felt privileged to be welcomed into this century’s ancient secret women’s knowledge.

I learned that regardless of age and skill level, and whether we perceive it as craft or art, any way you look at it – it is the doing, learning and sharing that feeds the soul.

« www.millarvilleracetrack.com

The guild offers monthly workshops that teach and extend the skills of its members at a minimal cost.

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Members have access to a comprehensive library of fibre craft books as well as a wide range of spinning, weaving and dyeing equipment for rent.

This is a non-profit group and each member is responsible for where and how they sell what they create. However, many of these fine products can be purchased at Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond, the Millarville Fair or at the annual Sheep Creek Weavers Fibre Art Sale to be held on October 15 at the Racetrack Hall.

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MARKET MAP

VEGGIES AND FRUIT

BARNS

Public Parking

LEGACY PICNIC AREA

CRAFTS

Handicapped Parking

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FOOD ARTISANS

BC FRUIT TRUCKS

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Public Parking

Handicapped Parking

GRANDSTAND

MEAT ALLEY

RACE TRACK

Public Parking MARKET VENDORS FRUIT TRUCKS

FOOD ARTISAN

GARDEN

MEAT ALLEY

ARENA

BARNS

QUONSET

LEGACY PICNIC AREA

MARKET SERVICES

REST ROOMS

ATM FIRST AID

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INFO

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FIRE PIT

CAMPING

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CAMPING: ISLAND AND CREEKSIDE CAMPGROUNDS

Rustic unserviced camping facilities featuring large treed campsites, firepits, and picnic tables.

First come first served: $25/night/unit. Group reservations available on select weekends. Call 403.931.3411 for details.

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www.millarvilleracetrack.com

HEATED TENT

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REC IP E

By Sandra Wiebe

If you’re like me at the Market, it seems like I want everything and when I get home I realized maybe I was over zealous in my purchasing.

It’s not really my fault; I get hypnotized by the colours of ripe plump peppers, bushels of greens and deep red beets - intoxicated by aromatics like basil, thyme and dill.

After many summer salads, juicing and soup making, one more great option is to toss it all in a simmering pot and make some homemade vegetable stock. Not only will you save money and reduce waste, but stock is so easy and makes risottos, soups, chilies, and stews richer in flavor, and it’s easy! Throw some vegetables in a pot, and simmer. Easy.

VEGETABLE STOCK (Makes about 8 cups) 1 T avocado or olive oil 2 medium onions 2 celery ribs with leaves 4 medium carrots 2 cloves garlic sea salt to taste

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

TIPS: Stock can be easily frozen so you always have it on hand.

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Start with this recipe but make it your way by adding other herbs or vegetables.

Use all those end bits from your vegetables like stems from your broccoli, kale, chards and greens, the leafy parts of your celery, etc., you can even freeze these for making stock later.

Heat the oil on medium heat in a stockpot.

Add above ingredients and sauté until fragrant and soft.

Then add 10 cups of filtered water, 2 bay leaves, a few whole black peppercorns and a few sprigs of your choice of fresh herbs: thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley.

Simmer (never boil) for 2 hours.

Strain and use the broth as needed. Store in fridge for up to two days.

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Black DiamonD - Bragg creek - HigH river longvieW - mD oF FootHills - nanton okotoks - turner valley

Alison Laycraft |

403.818.3184

The Lost American Art Gallery & Museum Where the Southwest meets the North on the Cowboy Trail thurs - sat 11-5 122 Morrison Road Longview, AB 403-558-3693

Handcrafted Turquoise Jewelry Native American Artists Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi

thelostamericanartgallery.com

Every cool little town comes in its own unique flavour.

Check out coollittletowns.com or ? for all the fun places to visit.

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M i l2016-05-09 l a r v i l l e F a r m e r s3:29 ’ M a rPM ket 2016

30th Annual Evening Parade Friday December 4, 2016 6:30 pm

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

SAVE the DATE

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CON CE SS I O N

Back at the Market and Celebrating 25 Years of Italian Tradition

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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f you haven’t heard the one about the trio of former pro football players who turned an old family recipe into a sausage empire, you’re missing a great Canadian tale!

Spolumbo’s was launched some 25 years ago by local CFL players and childhood pals, Tom Spoletini, Mike Palumbo and Tony Spoletini. Aptly equipped with original recipes, fiery ambition and a taste for touchdowns, the athletes turned businessmen made their sausage debut at the Millarville Farmers’ Market!

“In the beginning we relied on the Market each weekend to cultivate a grassroots following,” said Remo Trotta, sales and marketing manager of Spolumbo’s Fine Foods & Deli. “We grew the business organically, by word-of-mouth. That metaphor has literal significance here,” he notes.

Today Spolumbo’s has grown from a bustling little stall at the Millarville Market to one of Calgary’s landmark deli and fine food providers.

“At our Deli in Inglewood we produce tons of fresh sausage everyday – each sausage handmade,” said Tony Spoletini, owner and manager. “My mother, Aurora Spoletini, or “Mama” as she’s known, oversees the kitchen at the deli, helps with the cooking and ensures the quality and authenticity of the food,” he adds proudly.

To us it being back at the Market is like slipping back into a favourite pair of comfy old jeans for the weekend.

- Remo Trotta

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SPOLUMBO’S MSG FREE • GLUTEN FREE • PRESERVATIVE FREE

CON CESSION

Mike Palumbo - Circa 1993

It was at the Market where Calgary Co-op’s meat director approached the Spolumbo’s trio and offered them their first retail option. Co-op now sells 17 varieties of their pork and chicken sausages.

“We produce all our sausages without gluten, fillers, binders, or preservatives,” said Trotta, adding that the public appetite for wholesome and natural products has evolved.

There is little doubt, old fans and new converts will be lining up to get their fill of sumptuous Spolumbo’s sausages at the Market this summer.

“We are extremely excited to be back and glad that this opportunity coincides with our 25th anniversary,” said Trotta. “To us it (being back at the Market) is like slipping back into a favourite pair of comfy old jeans for the weekend,” says Trotta.

CONCESSION ITEMS: A variety of breakfast and lunch choices will be available such as burgers, brioche, meatball sub, sandwiches, San Pellegrino waters and Nonna’s donuts.

Take home meals (cannelloni, lasagnas and stuffed peppers) and specialty items (sauces and sausages) will be available from Mamma Aurora’s Kitchen.

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www.millarvilleracetrack.com

All Natural Sausage

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CO LO UR IN G P A G E

WHAT’S IN SEASON

www.millarvilleracetrack.com

When to find your favourite fruits and vegetables and where they come from!

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GREENHOUSE

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Butter Lettuce Eggplant English Cucumber Greenhouse Mini Cucumber Peppers Pole Beans Potted Herbs Tomatoes

Asparagus Beet Greens Cherries, early Radishes Spinach Rhubarb Strawberries Bedding Plants

Beets Blackberries Blueberries Saskatoons Carrots Peaches Peas Plums Raspberries Sweet Onions Baby Potatoes Baby Zuchinni

Early Apples Apricots Yellow Beans Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Cucumbers Garlic Green Beans Hot Peppers Melons Nectarines Peppers (field) Pickling

Apples (all varieties) Grapes Pears (Bartlett and Anjou) Pumpkin Squash

Parsnips Potatoes (storing) Onions (storing) Beets (storing) Carrots Garlic (hard neck) Winter Squash

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WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER!

Memorable experiences await you just 15 minutes south of Calgary. Discover unique shopping and dining venues, explore cultural and recreational attractions, and take in plenty of exciting events all in Okotoks, where there are a number of things to do.

May May 27-29 June Jun 18 Jun 25 July Jul 1 Jul 22-31 Jul 23 August Aug 14 Aug 27 Aug 27 Aug 26-28 September Sep 24 Sep 24 Sep 30-Oct 2 October Oct 25-30 November Nov 18 December Dec 11 Dec 31

Annual Collector Car Auction Parade & Children’s Festival Buskers Fest Canada Day Celebrations Summer Theatre at the Plaza Taste of Okotoks Okotoks Show & Shine Foothills Highland Games Chili Fest Okotoks Pro Rodeo Harvest Fest Okotoks Women’s Conference Alberta Culture Days Grand Slam of Curling Light Up Okotoks Skate with Santa Kid’s New Year’s Eve Party

Art on the Lawn Jul 7, 14, 21 & 28; Aug 4, 11, 18 & 25

www.oldetowneokotoks.ca

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Culture & Heritage Events Picnic at the Piano May 25, Jun 22, Jul 20, Aug 24 & Oct 2

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F EA TU R E

HEALTHY LANDSCAPE H E A LT H Y F O O D

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s you travel from Calgary to the Market this summer, or continue down the Cowboy Trail to hike, fish or hunt, take note of the vast and varied open spaces of the Alberta foothills. This natural landscape is rare and magnificent – a treasure that is being willfully protected by some determined landowners who know that healthy landscapes not only lead to healthy food but a whole host of other benefits.

For 18 years Southern Alberta Land Trust Society (SALTS) has been working with landowners and governments to preserve grazing land and watersheds, and subsequently, also preserving a uniquely Albertan aesthetic and cultural identity.

“The Eastern Slopes is some of the best grazing land in Alberta,” says Justin Thompson, executive director of SALTS, who works with ranchers and landowners to keep that land intact and support the ranching economy.

SALTS, a locally based charity, works collaboratively with landowners who want to see their land protected through a conservation easement.

“If the foothills can stay as ranch land and be used for grazing cattle, that is probably the most compatible use for anyone who cares about water, wildlife, and our rural economy.”

A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust. It is registered on title and limits future development on the property in order to preserve conservation values that may include watershed integrity, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and our ranching heritage. In return for the conservation easement, SALTS can provide the landowner with a charitable tax receipt and in certain cases some money.

“Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of conservation easements are for all those who live downstream,” says Thompson. “Privately owned lands in Alberta’s foothills play a significant role in filtering and storing water and slowing down runoff. By helping to keep our watersheds intact and free from development, conservation easements are protecting our water quality and quantity and making us more

resilient to floods and drought.”

Thompson explains that during the last 55 years, Calgary and its surrounding communities have grown by more than a million people, resulting in an enormous increase in the demand for water. At the same time, more development continues in the watershed upstream of our towns and cities. This is ultimately reducing the ability of the watershed to provide us with abundant, clean water, hence the important mandate of SALTS. To learn more about the importance of preserving Alberta’s open spaces, visit salts-landtrust.org In 1998, ranchers and landowners, including influential Albertans Charlie Russell near Waterton and Francis Gardner near Chain Lakes started SALTS. Since its inception, SALTS has protected over 16,000 acres or 25 square miles of some of Alberta’s most ecologically valuable private land. These protected parcels include areas west of Calgary all the way to the border of Waterton National Park.

Photo by Alan Gardner A 320-acre easement near the Hamlet of Priddis that includes a 500m stretch of Fish Creek.

SALTS has placed easements that help preserve things of value to all Albertans including:

• Portions of the Bow River watershed upstream of Calgary • Undeveloped vistas along the Cowboy Trail south of Longview • A long stretch of the world class trout fishery along the Crowsnest River • A critical wildlife corridor across Hwy 3 • Large tracts of wildlife habitat in the Porcupine Hills and near Waterton National Park routes media special publication

M i l l a r v i l l e F a r m e r s’ M a r k e t 2 0 1 6

C AREFULLY CURATED FINE ART and FINE CRAFT

by ALBERTA ARTISTS 1 1 0 C e nt re Av e nu e We s t , B l a c k D i a m on d 403.933.5047 www.bluerockgallery.ca

specializing in HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC FREE locally RAISED MEATS

116 Government Rd N Black Diamond

Essence of the Nile

403.921.2811 kloibersmeats.com

for all your dry skin needs

Natural Handmade Skincare Products with Ostrich Oil or Plant Base

FACECREAM

SOAPS

essenceofthenile.ca

BODYCARE

403.285.1624

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BAC K RO A D S

Photo by Neville Palmer

RAISED ON GREEN PA S T U R E S AND F A M I LY

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VALUES

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eronica Kloiber was a ‘city kid’ growing up, but then at 15 her parents transplanted the family to a farm south of Calgary, she made the jump easily… ‘farm girl’ was a good fit too.

“Within a year of moving to the country we were ranchers, small-time albeit and out of our depth, but with two cow/ calf pairs we claimed to be ranchers,” said Kloiber.

As one can imagine, there were lessons to be learned that first summer. “Those four animals taught us that cows are big, they can destroy land like nothing else, they can be mean, but your country neighbours will always lend a hand if you come calling,” she said.

That was 20 years ago. Since then the Kloibers have become pros, specializing in a breed of cattle called Dexters. “I guess you could say we’ve made it out here. We’ve shed our city slickers and paid our dues in mud, frozen calves, broken fences, animals gone AWAL.” One day while unloading many boxes of frozen steaks and roasts the family mused how nice it would be to handle the meat just once and sell it alongside some other proteins.

So in 2013, Kloiber’s Meats was born.

Veronica went back to school to learn the butcher’s trade, and opened a storefront in Black Diamond. Now Kloiber’s cranks out hand-made sausages and stocks all-local meats, free of hormones and antibiotics.

“It’s been an adventure but there are no regrets,” said Kloiber. “Cows and country are one of the best gifts my parents ever gave our family!”

Kloiber’s Meats is located Bay C, 116 Government Rd. NE, Black Diamond. www.kloibersmeats.com

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45 mins. from downtown Calgary | 10 mins. from Millarville Market eauclairedistillery.ca

Turner Valley, Alberta

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Visit Alberta’s First Craft Distillery and enjoy an interactive tour and tasting.

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