10 years ago, a group of Bridgeland residents came together with an idea of bringing fresh produce and locally made goods to our community. In 2013, we hosted a one-day event, the very first Fall Harvest! It was such a success that the following year we grew to become the Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market, a program of the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association.
The vision of the Market was to cultivate all aspects of our community and become a gathering place for residents, an avenue for local producers and business owners, and a central place where fresh, local food can be made available to the community and surrounding neighbourhoods. In 2014, it became a weekly outdoor market that ran from June to October.
The market is run by a dedicated group of volunteers that form the committee, a market manager, and is supported by the BRCA Board. The market is an Alberta Approved Farmers Market, which means that we operate under provincial guidelines set out by Alberta Agriculture. It also means that at least 80% of the products sold are made, baked, or grown in Alberta and sold by the vendor who makes the product. Supporting local farmers and small businesses is a priority for our market!
Over the years, our market has grown and evolved. We have buskers playing music every week and a picnic area to eat dinner or sit with neighbours. We have kids’ activities, special event markets with different themes, bands, and activities. We added a holiday market and an indoor winter market. During COVID, we pivoted to a monthly pre-purchased market box with different products from a selection of vendors. The market has grown to an average of 30 vendors and approximately 400 people attending each week. We’ve survived through the hottest days of the summer, as well as snow, jungle rain, smoke, flood, hail, and near tornado winds.
The volunteer run committee has evolved over the years with new members coming and going, some staying the entire 10 years! We’ve even seen our own kids grow up as part of the market and affectionately call them “market kids.” We are always open to new ideas and evolving and growing the market. One thing that never changes is the market vision: “to bring the community together and build relationships.” We can’t wait to share our plans for this year. 10 years old! Come and celebrate with us this year!
We Are 10 and We’re Throwing a Birthday Bash!
Thursday, June 22 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Join us as we celebrate our tenth season of the Bridgeland Farmers Market on Thursday, June 22 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm at the BRCA Community Hall, rain or shine!
There will be live music, kids’ games and crafts, food trucks, our wonderful vendors, including Bridgeland Distillery, Uncommon Cider, and Dandy Brewing
From what started as a one-day celebration in 2013 to a full season market in 2014, we have grown to be a fantastic meeting place for all.
How long have you been supporting the Bridgeland Riverside Farmers Market?
What is your favourite part?
Drop by your Farmers Market Committee’s table and provide your response to be entered into a draw to win a prize!
Thanks to all of you for supporting the sweetest farmers market in Calgary. We would not have made it to 10 without you.
Mark your calendars to check us out every Thursday till October 5.
Here’s to a beautiful season ahead!
Click here to the Bridgeland Community News home page for the latest Bridgeland community updates.
