LAC LA BICHE - You know they are a die-hard group of Farmers' Market shoppers when they continue to dig for deals and scout out the best prices around the room — even during the on-stage ceremony just a few feet from the tables that is commemorating the market's 50 years serving the community.
To start the March 31 Farmers' Market and the 2023 season, current Lac La Biche Farmers' Market Manager Bev Tkachuk made several presentations and invited several community members a chance to be recognized for their contributions to the long-standing event."In the early 1970s a few local ladies in the horticulture society had the vision of a market where they could sell some produce and some homemade products and earn a bit of spending money. These pioneer ladies first made it happen in the spring of 1973, setting up a few tables in the shade of the old arena," said Tkachuk. The two main founders are Cathy Lawson and Freda Phillips. Lawson has continued to work behind the scenes of the event for decades, while Phillips was the manager and the face of the weekly market for 35 years.
Both were on stage for the anniversary celebration, receiving flower bouquets and praise. Even receiving a loud round of applause from customers who paused from browsing the tables that include handmade bracelets, Christy Creek Honey lolipops, Maureen Penn's paintings, and the White Russian dessert snacks, to congratulate the women.
"We wouldn't be here today without their efforts," said Tkachuk.
They shoppers also clapped following Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov's commemorative tribute to all the organizers, vendors, groups, volunteers and customers who have kept the local market a vibrant for half a century.
"Since 1973, you have kept this tradition alive, giving agricultural producers and artisans the space to showcase their talents and sell their creations," Reutov said, speaking to the founding members and the groups and individuals who have played a role in the long history of the market. "Over the years, many small businesses had their start right here. At the farmers market, entrepreneurs have the perfect venue to experiment and sell homemade goods that speak to the county's unique identity — things that we can only produce and create n northeastern Alberta."
The mayor went on to say that the market isn't only a community and economic attraction, it's a cultural highlight of the region as well.
"It's a reflection of our diversity," he said, listing a dozen local cultures. "The farmers' market is an ideal spot to showcase the goods and traditions of so many cultures, and we get to enjoy this each week," he said, also highlighting the market as a shining example of food sovereignty practices, where local soil produces local food. "I hope all of this tradition grows for at least another 50 years."
Tkachuk said that thanks to the strong foundation, and continued partnerships between the vendors, the community and the organizers that are more like family connections than work, the market can weather any storm ... and they have.
"Through the first 50 years we've been through a lot — some hard times, sad times, some tears, but mostly a lot of good times. We've been through rain, cold, snow, forest fires, smoke-covered, monsoon seasons and freezing rain, and of course our favourite, the pandemic," said Tkachuk. "Nothing has stopped us from bringing you your local farmers' market. We just adapted and moved forward."
With more people coming into the Agricom market, Tkachuk thanked the customers and community for the continued success of the weekly event.
"Our biggest supporters are the Lac La Biche community. You always show up every Friday and it just blows my mind how much support we get. We can't thank you all enough."
The Lac La Biche Farmers' Market run every Friday at 3 pm sharp at the Lac La Biche Agricultural Grounds. Early season markets will be held indoors, but as the temperatures warm, the market will spread to the outdoor pavilion to showcase more of the local products.
