The Bentley Farmers’ Market ended their successful season with their Christmas market on Nov. 24.
There weren’t as many prospective buyers as the board would have liked but overall, vendors were pleased, especially considering the amount of competition from other markets and sales that were going on.
The variety and quality of items offered for sale was astounding. There was everything from baked goods, cooking utensils, and covered wagons to decorations, handicrafts and jewelry — even scarves, toys, and wine.
The live five-piece band Burnt Timber Swing, headed up by Rick Moore from Gull Lake on lead guitar and doing vocals, provided easy listening old-time and Christmas selections and did a wonderful job of keeping everyone in a cheery mood as was evidenced by those who were swaying in time to the music. Band members are Julian Tubb from Bergen on rhythm guitar, and Brenda Munro from Calgary who did vocals and percussion. Bass player Greg Leblanc and fiddle player Louise Stuppard are from Red Deer.
The Bentley Library Society ran the main concession. They offered beef on a bun and a variety of desserts to choose from.
The farmers’ market board reported that once again they have grown, both in area and number of vendors overall, even after losing some favorite sellers when the Red Deer market extended their hours, overlapping into Bentley’s. Bentley is already booking into the coming season that starts the long weekend of May.
The board continues to donate money to worthy local groups and causes. “Part of our mandate is to put money back into the community,” says board president Vicky Spycher.
Arrangements have been agreed upon with the curling club for the use of the curling rink during the summer months and plans are to extend the time by 30 minutes.
It was disappointing to farmers’ market manager Judy Osmond that not all the vendors who had booked attended, but she is already planning and looking forward to next season.
Osmond can be contacted at 403-748-2838 for information on next year’s Bentley Farmers’ Market.