Regina Farmers’ Market Supporting Local For 44 Years!
There is something magical about getting the family together on a Saturday morning and heading downtown to the farmers’ market. It’s so much more than purchasing heirloom tomatoes and fresh bread; it’s the atmosphere, the energy and, most importantly, the people.
Regina Farmers' Market (RFM) has been serving Regina and area customers for more than 44 years. Vendors include individuals and businesses that make, bake, grow or design their products right here in Saskatchewan.
The first official Regina Farmers’ Market was held on August 9, 1975 at Regina’s Exhibition Grounds. Farmer-driven from the start, the inaugural Regina Farmers’ Market season was attended by 22 producers and took place over a short fall harvest season. Whoa, has it ever grown since then! The RFM has evolved to include a 10-month season with nearly 150 vendors selling a diverse range of Saskatchewan-made products.
The RFM has had many locations over the years, including the Exhibition Grounds (1975-1981), 1800 block Hamilton St (1982-1986), the ViaRail (now Casino Regina) parking lot (1987-1994), 1900 block Scarth St (1995-2009), and City Hall (2010-2011), before finding their current home at the newly established City Square Plaza in 2012.
“With healthy and local food becoming a recent trend, the market has been really growing in popularity, with many vendors selling out before the day is done,” says Holly Laird, operations manager. “This is great for our local economy. It’s fantastic to see there are so many people interested in making a difference by choosing to buy local.”
The RFM outdoor markets run on Saturdays and Wednesdays from May to mid-October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on City Square Plaza (12th Ave between Lorne St and Scarth St). In the height of the summer, there is often well over 100 vendors set up throughout the Plaza.
Their indoor markets run on Saturdays in March, April, October, November and December, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their indoor location (Wa Wa Shrine Centre, 2065 Hamilton St). The indoor market typically sees anywhere between 35 and 50 vendors. Stay tuned: RFM will soon be announcing their new indoor venue for the fall, and it’s a definite upgrade from their current location!
If you’re interested in experiencing a bit of a different vibe, make sure to attend the lively Market Under the Stars events, which take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on select Thursday nights at City Square Plaza. The event is tonnes of fun, with live music and dancing, a shopping area, and food and liquor tasting areas. You just need to stop in, purchase tickets and spend the evening sampling all different kinds of delicious food and drink. The dates for this summer are July 12, July 26, August 16 and August 30.
The Regina Farmers’ Market has been a driving force in helping to expand the definition of local Saskatchewan products. In additional to valuing their founding and long-time members, they also actively embrace new and innovative products and production methods from across the province.
“People are always eager to hear about what’s new, and who the new vendors will be,” says Holly. “This year, we have between 25 and 30 new vendors and there will be plenty of different, exciting products to try.”
One of these new vendors is Paradigm Coffee, who is selling “scientifically perfected” coffee that is simply delicious. The Good Dog is also new and sells healthy dog food and homemade treats. Some of the new products include Hungarian chimney cakes, plenty of homemade baking and soups, and even traditional Korean kimchi.
Of course, there are some vendors who’ve been with RFM since the beginning. One of the founding members happens to be the owner of Fishley Farms, who you can catch at City Square Plaza this summer selling bedding plants and beautiful hanging baskets.
“The Regina Farmers’ Market is a really unique way to connect with the people who are making, baking and growing their food.” mentions Holly. “It’s where we can actually develop relationships with the people who are creating our food. People can see where their dollars can make a really big difference. You’re not supporting this big conglomeration; you’re supporting the people who are putting in the time and love to bring you the best products.
“It’s such a great way to connect and be part of the community.”
Make sure to watch for the latest news on the Regina Farmers’ Market by following the RFM on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Regina Farmers’ Market is always looking for volunteers to lend an extra hand. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email info@reginafarmersmarket.ca .
2018 Markets: Spring Indoor Market - Saturdays ONLY from March 3 to April 28 (9 a.m. -1 p.m., 2065 Hamilton St) Outdoor Markets - Wednesdays AND Saturdays from May 5 to October 6 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m., City Square Plaza) Fall Indoor Markets - Saturdays ONLY from October 13 to December 15 (9 a.m. -1 p.m., location TBA)
Contact: Holly Laird Operations Manager The Regina Farmers' Market Co-operative reginafarmersmarket.ca Phone/text: 306.209.1130
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ReginaFarmersMarket/
IG: @reginafarmersmarket
TW: @marketregina