Farmers’ Markets, Greenhouses, and Nurseries Deemed Essential Services

Farmers’ Markets, Greenhouses, and Nurseries Deemed Essential Services

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The provincial government declared farmers’ markets, greenhouses, and nurseries as essential services on March 27. As to what will happen on the local front this spring and summer, here’s what to expect.

Len Bullock, Director of the Pysanka Park Market, said June 25 will be opening night of the outdoor market. It will run from 5-8 pm rain or shine. All of the markets are scheduled for that time slot every Thursday evening until August 24.

The Vegreville & District Agricultural Society has been operating the Pysanka Park Market for the past four years and has between15 to 20 vendors on average. Attendance is usually between 280 to 320 people at every market. The first time they tracked attendance was in 2019, and the highest number of attendees at one market reached 440.

Bullock said they will have sanitization stations and observe physical distancing rules during the markets.

Marlene Giebelhaus, President of the Vegreville Farmers’ Market, said they usually open the season on the first Friday in April and run until the last Friday before Christmas. The reason the opening has been delayed, explained Giebelhaus, is because most of the vendors are elderly, and she did not want to compromise their health.

When the market is back up and running, there will also be new guidelines for hand sanitizing, physical distancing, monitoring of buyers, etc. Giebelhaus said she will be contacting the health inspector to gain more information and advice before deciding on a start date.

“I feel sad for the businesses that depend on the market. But we decided not to open because of the severity of the virus and our demographic.” While Giebelhaus misses the market and being with people in the community, she recognizes the importance of being cautious so as not to jeopardize the health and safety of vendors and buyers.

Beverly McCarty smiles along with her enterprising granddaughter Emily during a market last summer. The Pysanka Park Market in Vegreville will be opening on June 25. The market will run from 5-8 pm. (Vegreville & District Agricultural Society/Submitted Photo)

The Vegreville Farmers’ Market normally operates every Friday between 8:30 and 11:30 am with the exception of the first Friday of the month when it is open until 1 pm. The market has between six and 14 vendors on average. The market is run out of the Elks Hall.

Both markets in Vegreville are members of the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association. According to the association, there are 3,000 farmers’ markets in the province. These markets are approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Food Handling Permits are issued by Alberta Health Services.

Jeannie Windels, who owns and operates Skyline Greenhouse with her husband Jerry, stated, “We are very grateful for the government’s decision. Greenhouses producing food and farmers’ markets providing that food are important in supplying the needs of our population during this difficult time. Many people are very eager and grateful to be able to buy local and to know the source.”

Windels went on to say, “We feel for owners and employees of businesses not considered essential and pray daily for everyone dealing with these tough situations.”