The Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) is getting ready to welcome the return of the Downtown Farmers Market to 104 Street. The market will officially kick off on Saturday, June 15, marking the beginning of a vibrant summer filled with Alberta farm-fresh produce, meat, prepared foods, hand-crafted goods and more.
This outdoor market will be set up on the iconic 104 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue and will run every Saturday, rain or shine, until October 12.
“We’ve heard from the downtown business community, the market vendor community, and Edmontonians from across the city that the 104 street downtown farmers market is sorely missed. We know that bringing this market back to this iconic location is going to bring community vibrancy and economic strength back to the area and give people from near and far a weekly reason to come and spend a Saturday downtown,” says Puneeta McBryan, CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association.
The process of sourcing vendors is well underway with more than 75 vendors having already applied, signaling considerable interest and support. Market vendors returning to the street include Lacombe Fresh, Riverbend Gardens, Reclaim Organics, Ocean Odyssey, Steve & Dan’s, Sundog Organic Farm and many more familiar faces. Vendor recruitment is ongoing throughout the summer and applications can still be submitted online.
Area businesses are eagerly anticipating the market’s return and increased foot traffic on the street every Saturday. “We’re excited to see the market return to our doorstep, but even more excited about that energy and vibe coming back to 104 Street that we had in the past,” says Geoff Linden, owner of Credo Coffee.
There are several more extended patios in the area since the last time the Market was on 104 Street so there is an opportunity for patrons to stay and be a part of that energy and vibe after shopping.
The EDBA will manage the farmers’ market this year and has hired Foundry Events to operate the market. Foundry was selected as the operator through an open competitive RFP process in which nine applications were received. Foundry Events has demonstrated experience and expertise managing successful events for Explore Edmonton, Tourism Jasper, Edmonton International Airport and public space activations for the EDBA, including last year’s Winterval Christmas market.
Financial support for the market will be provided by the City of Edmonton’s Downtown Vibrancy Fund with the EDBA contributing additional resources.
“The City of Edmonton is proud to support the Downtown Farmers’ Market return to 104 Street and is excited to have this historic experience back in the heart of our city,” says Tom Girvan, Director of Downtown Vibrancy and Safe City. “The market will bring thousands of people to our downtown, connecting residents, families and visitors to many local producers and artisans.”