Two long-time, faithful vendors were recognized at the Bentley Farmers’ Market June 2 at the Bentley Curling Rink.
“The vendors are the ones that make the market (successful); not the board or anyone else,” stated Bentley Farmers’ Market director Fred Peterson in his presentation. “We are one of the top 3 or 4 farmers’ markets in the province. We are the only place that doubles the population of the town on Saturday farmers’ market days,” he said.
The renowned Bentley Farmers’ Market has been in existence for 26 years. Anne Dial from Red Deer was a vendor the first year it was running and still comes today. She hand paints quips on wooden signs on stakes for placement in gardens or along walkways. Her mother, Dona Andrusyshyn, also from Red Deer, who sews kitchen/food preparation accessories, came with her a few years later, and also still comes today.
Soon-to-be 85-year-old Andrusyshyn said: “I like to come (to Bentley) because I can leave my booth set up. I don’t have to pack up at the end of the day, and come back to set up next time (each week).” She used to do other markets but now does Bentley exclusively.
Vendor Joyce Kischuk, from Gull Lake, started selling the second year of the market and was again at her table on Saturday, like most Saturdays during the farmers’ market season. She is known for her fashions created for dolls and the well-dressed dolls she sells at her display, along with a few other stuffed toys. Husband Joe is a staunch supporter.
Peterson said one of the advantages of the Bentley Market is the curling rink location. “Our inside market is unique. We go rain or shine. People know the inside (of the curling rink) will be full (of vendors regardless of the weather).”
The parking lot is also full of vendors, weather permitting. Charitable organizations offer lunch at the inside concession as well.
The Bentley Farmers’ Market runs on Saturdays from the May long weekend to the September long weekend from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in and around the Bentley Curling Rink. There is also a Christmas market.
Contact Judy Esmond, market manager, at 403-748-2828 for information.
By June Norvila