CANMORE – Get your market baskets ready.
After a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to secure a new space, the Canmore Mountain Market has announced its return to the community kicking off next Thursday (July 2) in the Canmore Recreation Centre parking lot.
"We're really excited to announce the reopening of the farmers market as it plays such an important role in the economic livelihood of farmers and small businesses," said Canmore Mountain Market coordinator Julia Freeman. "The market will continue to help bring back our community spirit in Canmore during this difficult and unprecedented time."
Market organizers said the annual weekly event will look a little different this year, including reduced 10 a.m.-4 p.m. hours, limited access of attendees, limited parking, limited public washroom facilities and new sanitation protocols when entering the market – all to ensure public safety.
But even with all the new changes, market-goers can expect some things to stay the same – including seeing some of their favourite vendors and the same rain or shine attitude.
"We've made a few changes to ensure the market aligns with provincial guidelines and provides a safe environment, but you can expect to see lots of your favourite vendors and new vendors joining every week," Freeman said.
The announcement comes in the middle of the province’s economic relaunch strategy, which is currently in phase two, allowing some businesses including retail, farmers markets, hairstyling, cafés, restaurants and pubs – to name a few – to reopen with the new public health guidelines in place, such as practicing physical distancing by keeping two metres apart from people outside your household.
Farmers markets were allowed to reopen during stage one, which kicked off on May 14, but given the lack of space to properly distance at the old location, the Town of Canmore has been busy trying to secure the right spot.
The Banff Farmers Market also returned earlier this month on June 3.
“I am very appreciative of the vendors that have decided to come and do the market knowing that it’s not going to be as busy, knowing that I’m only allowed to bring in a certain number of people at a time,” market manager Rene Geber previously told the Outlook.
Unlike Canmore, Banff's market was already in a spot that was easier to fully enclose, while also restricting attendees and encouraging people to wear masks.
Both offer a variety of locally and regionally produced goods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, along with crafts, clothing and jewelry up for sale.
"We're looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces and supporting our local vendors on Thursdays," Freeman said.
The Town of Canmore also outlined some ways to ensure visitors have the best 2020 market experience:
- Consider visiting during off-peak times – before noon or after 2 p.m.
- Take active transit – walk, bike, or Roam to the market
- Be mindful that others will be waiting to get in while you shop
- Make a list of the items you need before entering the market
- Go …before you go – expect limited available public washroom facilities
- Remember the Canmore Recreation Centre is not yet open to the public
- Please follow the new expectations when visiting the market during COVID-19:
- Stay at least two metres from others
- Sanitize your hands upon arrival
- Shop, don’t stop
- Enjoy any market foods after you’ve left the market
- Stay home if you have symptoms: coughing, sneezing, sore throat, running nose or fever
For more information, or to stay up-to-date on what is happening, follow the Canmore Mountain Market on Facebook and Instagram @camoremountainmarket.
– with files from Evan Buhler
