Unlike last year, this past Saturday wasn’t actually week one of the City Market, given the downtown farmers’ market has actually just finished its first full year indoors. But City Hall isn’t quite the same as 104 Street, and the market always feels reborn when it returns to the brick and tree-lined promenade.
Looking good!
And with Mack and I residing just over the street, we know it’s officially summer when we can throw open our windows and hear the sounds of the market – the exchanges between producers and shoppers, the sound of a lone saxophone, the voice of Martin Kerr.
Getting their waffle on!
It was no different this Saturday. It could have a been a bit warmer – the sun was out, but so was the wind – though it didn’t seem to matter to the crowds that flocked to the streets. Dogs with Wings was also on-site, with many of their service dogs in training on hand to demonstrate their skills.
Dogs with Wings
This was also the first of the three week pilot that involved vendors setting up back to back on 104 Street from Jasper to 102 Avenues, in order to provide more clear exposure to the businesses that line the street.
In the shade
It might be something market shoppers have to get used to, but Mack and I liked the new layout. There might be some issue for those in strollers and wheelchairs to circle around the median at Jasper Avenue (there wasn’t a lot of room between the barricade and the median), but other than that, it might actually mean that people spend more time at the market walking the entire strip.
Blue sky
Though it is still very early on in the growing season, there was already some colour to be seen in the vending stalls.
South Cooking Lake Greenhouses
Green Valley Farm
Edgar Farms (the last asparagus bunch of the week!)
I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great market season. See you on the street.
Only Here for the Food 
oooh, all that fresh produce looks lovely! I like the looks of the new market layout too – I think it will make it a bit easier to shop.
Ahhhhh….thanks for capturing the colour and vibrancy of the return of the outdoor market, Sharon.
I purchased that last bag of asparagus ‘odds and ends’! Much of it was tough, but was still happy to get my hands on it!
I was there as well. I agree-it could’ve been warmer, but it was still nice and sunny! Loved the new EVOOLUTION that opened. You and Mack must be happy with all these cool new stores opening up!