Adding to the buzz of Trail’s incrEDIBLE Farmers Market is a special feature slated for the venue’s second go this Saturday - a live chainsaw carving demo by Mitch Evans and Keith Betea, two professionals from Betea’s Log Homes in Yahk.
“Overall, our function is to support local business and agriculture,” says Gina Ironmonger from incrEDIBLE trail. “And I think having the market on the street in downtown Trail can turn it into a really fun community activity.”
The 1300 block of Cedar Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic for the market’s 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. time slot, the carving session is set for 11 a.m.
Plants, herbs, and perennials will be available as well as spices, pottery and goodies via Kreative Cupcakes’ fundraiser for Fort Mac wildfire relief.
As growing season nears, though it’s not certain for this week’s market, Ironmonger is working on a feature only available to registered B.C Farmers Markets - wineries and breweries can set up shop with their locally made products.
That and more is in the works for the market’s official grand opening on June 4. But until then, she’s hoping for the same foot traffic the Saturday market brought downtown during its May 14 soft launch.
“I was quite pleased with the turnout for our first market, and I think the business community really liked it,” said Ironmonger.
Going farm to table is a win-win for everyone from growers to families and local businesses, she added.
“What’s really important is that we are is a real farmers market, make it, bake it, grow it, or raise it, so we are supporting the local food movement.”
The venue is an extension of incrEDIBLE trail’s first foray which has city merchants and services growing edible landscapes in their storefronts, not just flowers.
“The farmers market is really another springboard of community gathering and experience,” Ironmonger shared. “It’s really a social event, an opportunity to talk not only with our farmers but all the businesses and service organizations on the green route who already grow food for passersby and the food bank.”
Another outdoor market, the Trail Market on the Esplanade, is set for every other Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. beginning June 10.
Now in its fifth year, the very successful venture between the city and Trail and District Chamber of Commerce will include three special evening editions on July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 7 as well as another Spooktacular event on Oct. 29.
Situated along the picturesque esplanade, the market highlights local vendors who sell fresh produce, handmade jewellery, soaps, clothing, baking, home décor items and more.
Watch the Trail Times for an upcoming Trail Market on the Esplanade feature.