Our Journey So Far
The 2010-2011 SWEFM Steering Committee
Our farmers' market owes its origins in large part to Michael Walters, lead organizer for the Greater Edmonton Alliance (GEA) and resident of Aspen Gardens. Falconer Heights resident,Corrina Chetley-Irwin, is involved with the GEA Local Foods Team as well. At her first GEA meeting, Michael introduced himself by saying, “you live in Riverbend, you need to start a farmers' market there”. Corrina didn’t immediately turn and run, however was momentarily taken aback and thought, “what have I gotten myself into?” She continued to be involved on the Local Foods team and as time went by, the farmers' market concept, which had been seeded and germinated, began to grow. One day it occurred to Corrina that the market was a fantastic idea.
Shortly after, Corrina phoned her good friend and neighbour Cynthia Reckhard and asked if she would be willing to help start a farmers' market in Riverbend. Cynthia agreed. Together they contacted Becky Lipton at the Farmers' Market Association, attended Market Manager Training, and attempted to figure out what was involved in launching a farmers' market.
Their first task was to develop a market demand survey and convince people to complete it. That proved to be easy—over 940 people completed the survey and 230 people indicated an interest to participate and/or receive further information. The response exceeded their expectations. Task number two was to put a governance structure in place. They could build their own, or find an existing organization to sponsor them. They approached TRAC (Terwillegar / Riverbend Advisory Council) to ask them to be the sponsor. TRAC enthusiastically agreed in principle to be the governing body of the farmers' market.
In the meantime, Michael Walters was also planting farmers' market seeds in the heads of his neighbours in Aspen Gardens. Greg Meimar, also an Aspen Gardens resident thought this was a great idea as well, and obtained support and approval from the Aspen Gardens Community League to initiate a local farmers' market in one of the surrounding communities. As Corrina and Greg’s plans developed in parallel, Michael made the connection and Corrina received a phone call from Greg.
It quickly became apparent that collaboration in developing one farmers' market to service all the southwest neighbourhoods was the way to go. It would be a wonderful opportunity to create new relationships and extend the boundaries of our communities. The farmers' market would also benefit from the combined energy, excitement and resources of this broader community. Thirty-two enthusiastic and energetic individuals from fifteen different neighbourhoods attended the inaugural meeting, facilitated by Corrina Chetley-Irwin, Greg Meimar, and Cynthia Reckhard. The outcome of the meeting was tremendous. Hopes for the market were defined, including a community meeting place for family, friends and neighbours to access fresh fruits, vegetables and other locally made products. From this meeting, a core team and market structure was established.
The Steering Comittee persevered through all the trials and tribulations of the planning stages and on May 18th the Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market held it Grand Opening to a crowd of almost 3000 people!
Want to know the rest of the story? Stay tuned as we update our blog and tell you all about the learning curve that was our inaugural year!
Shortly after, Corrina phoned her good friend and neighbour Cynthia Reckhard and asked if she would be willing to help start a farmers' market in Riverbend. Cynthia agreed. Together they contacted Becky Lipton at the Farmers' Market Association, attended Market Manager Training, and attempted to figure out what was involved in launching a farmers' market.
Their first task was to develop a market demand survey and convince people to complete it. That proved to be easy—over 940 people completed the survey and 230 people indicated an interest to participate and/or receive further information. The response exceeded their expectations. Task number two was to put a governance structure in place. They could build their own, or find an existing organization to sponsor them. They approached TRAC (Terwillegar / Riverbend Advisory Council) to ask them to be the sponsor. TRAC enthusiastically agreed in principle to be the governing body of the farmers' market.
In the meantime, Michael Walters was also planting farmers' market seeds in the heads of his neighbours in Aspen Gardens. Greg Meimar, also an Aspen Gardens resident thought this was a great idea as well, and obtained support and approval from the Aspen Gardens Community League to initiate a local farmers' market in one of the surrounding communities. As Corrina and Greg’s plans developed in parallel, Michael made the connection and Corrina received a phone call from Greg.
It quickly became apparent that collaboration in developing one farmers' market to service all the southwest neighbourhoods was the way to go. It would be a wonderful opportunity to create new relationships and extend the boundaries of our communities. The farmers' market would also benefit from the combined energy, excitement and resources of this broader community. Thirty-two enthusiastic and energetic individuals from fifteen different neighbourhoods attended the inaugural meeting, facilitated by Corrina Chetley-Irwin, Greg Meimar, and Cynthia Reckhard. The outcome of the meeting was tremendous. Hopes for the market were defined, including a community meeting place for family, friends and neighbours to access fresh fruits, vegetables and other locally made products. From this meeting, a core team and market structure was established.
The Steering Comittee persevered through all the trials and tribulations of the planning stages and on May 18th the Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market held it Grand Opening to a crowd of almost 3000 people!
Want to know the rest of the story? Stay tuned as we update our blog and tell you all about the learning curve that was our inaugural year!