Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market ‘full, crowded’ on first Sunday of business

After more than 40 years as a Saturday mainstay in south Edmonton, the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market held its first Sunday market.

A staple weekend destination for shoppers and browsers on Edmonton’s southside is now open both weekend days.

The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market market had been operating every Saturday since 1983. It opened for the first time on a Sunday on May 4, its hours the second day of the weekend 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Saturday, the market is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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The goods vendors offer at the neighbourhood hub on 83 Avenue at Gateway Boulevard vary from locally grown and produced foods to jewelry, soaps and decor.

The parking at the lot across from the farmer’s market is no longer free after the market’s lease on it ended and the city took over its operation last month.

And vendors such as Rylee Klassen of Thistle Hill Farms welcome the opportunity to be open an additional day if just to better connect with their customers.

• Popular southside farmers’ market to add Sunday hours starting in May

“Saturday is a beautiful day – it’s a day where a lot of people do shopping – but with Sundays, it’s just nice because it’s a little more easy going, more intimate,” Klassen told CTV News Edmonton on Sunday. “I can have one-on-one conversations.”

Months of planning and work led to opening day, including upgraded pipes and infrastructure by the market, and staff reorganization and more shelf-stocking by vendors.

Market manager Connie Olson says opening on Sunday as well allows it “to be more integral, more a part of the community” and welcome new customers.

“It warms my heart to see so many different people,” Olson said on Sunday at the market.

“It’s full, it’s crowded.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg