The Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market wrapped for 2024 on Friday, Dec. 13 with the final market of the year.
The weekly community farmers market, which celebrated a half century in existence in 2023, was a mainstay of the Lakeland Agricom grounds from March to December, opening each Friday afternoon from 3-5:30 pm
Those who turned out for final event of the year had the opportunity to shop for a variety of homegrown food and homemade products, including Christmas gifts.
The Dec. 13 market, like the one that took place a week earlier, had a Christmas theme, and people were able to listen to music from the holiday season while they browsed the aisles filled with local products. There were also door prizes and free cake on offer.
Looking to 2025
Following a winter hiatus, the long-running weekly showcase of local businesses and artisans will return for a new season on Friday, April 11. And while the day of the week will remain the same, the time of day for the markets will change. For the 2025 season, the doors to the market will open at 3:30 pm instead of 3 pm, and will also be open for an extra hour, closing at 6:30 pm instead of 5:30 pm.
Earlier this year, following customer feedback, the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society made the decision to change the timeframe to accommodate patrons who are employed at 9-5 jobs and therefore, make it more convenient for them to do their shopping after work.
Bev Tkachuk, the manager of the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market, said officials with the Ag Society are looking forward to 2025, especially the change in hours.
“Hopefully we get more people coming down, more customers in town supporting us,” Tkachuk told Lakeland This Week. “We’re really excited about next year.”
Looking back over 2024, Tkachuk said the weekly market was a fantastic success.
“The community was here to support…the tourists came…the vendors are coming…it was a wonderful year,” she stated.
Regional draw
A couple of those vendors who are familiar faces at the Lac La Biche Farmer’s Market include vendor Eugene McCafferty and Bonnyville-based home business owner Amanda Nichols.
Nichols lives in the Bonnyville area and sells products from her home-based business, Boreal Apothecary, at the market. Nichols has been coming to Lac La Biche for more than five years and says the venue gives her an opportunity to promote her business.
“As a farmers’ market vendor, it’s really important to have that connection, and the Lac La Biche Community is very perceptive of supporting local businesses,” she said.
In addition to being outlet to sell her products, the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market, Nichols went on, also has a strong sense of community, with people being very friendly and amiable.
“I come from a small community, so I really appreciate that,” she said. “I always feel at home, and even the customers hug me here.”
Those who stop by the weekly market with a sweet tooth will find plenty of delicious homemade confections to satisfy their cravings at the table set up by Eugene McCafferty and his wife.
The couple, who operate a small, home-based business, enjoy coming to the Lakeland Agricom each week to sell their sweet wares.
“It’s a good market,” Eugene McCafferty said, looking forward to the 2025 season.