Farmers’ Markets in Winter
Winnipeggers love summer farmers’ markets. Now we needn’t give them up just because it’s the middle of winter. Two popular markets have moved indoors.
During the winter, the Downtown Farmers’ Market operate on alternate Thursdays inside Cityplace. Their first winter market in 2017 had just over 20 vendors. Now market days see an average of 50 vendors.
After four years operating from a community space across the street, this year St. Norbert Farmers’ Market moved their winter market, which runs every second Saturday, into a new canopy on the market site. The canopy supports more producers and creates a more “farmers’ market-like” atmosphere.
Why are winter farmers’ markets important?
“We really feel that it’s important to provide residents and workers in Downtown Winnipeg with many options for fresh food and local products. It’s also great to be able to help support our vendors, so they can have that as a predictable income,” says Susan Ainley of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, organizers of the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
“Historically, Manitoba’s small local producers have not had a place to sell their products during the winter months. The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market aimed to remedy this by providing a place for local producers to sell their goods in a regularly scheduled market,” says Marilyn Firth of St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.
What can you expect at the markets?
You won’t see the large number of vegetable vendors present at summer markets, but you’ll still find many local food products. Firth of the St. Norbert Market says winter markets have a stronger emphasis on food and fewer craft vendors. For example, Prairie Quinoa sells quality Canadian-grown quinoa. Phil’s Honey reserves the best of his honey for market customers. Shrugging Doctor, a Winnipeg wine-making company, offers apple cider and a rotating selection of their fruit wines and meads.
“The winter markets are quieter than the summer markets, so a great opportunity to talk with the producer and learn more about their production methods, and their operations,” says Firth.
Ainley of the Downtown Market says, “We continue to have bison and pork vendors year-round, as well as honey, kimchi, hot sauces, fruit jerky, soap and personal cosmetics. The winter markets also tend to have more bakers, jewelry, crafts.”
You’ll find authentic old-world-style sourdough breads at Pennyloaf Bakery. Great Cheeky Food Company sells masala sauces and chutneys. Embracing the Stone features hand-forged, one-of-a-kind jewelry.
You might even find fresh produce, such as hydroponically-grown microgreens by Fresh Forage at the St. Norbert Market and root vegetables by Snowland Vegetable Farm at the Downtown Market.
All photos by Kristhine Guerrero
