This summer’s pilot project Downtown Market, offering people an opportunity to buy fresh local produce every Wednesday, is being termed a success.

Laura Turner, executive director of the Downtown Business Association, which started the project, says, “The market was a great hit with the community and exceeded our objectives. Feedback has been very positive and people made a special point of letting us know every week. The vendors were pleased with the response. At their request, we were looking at available options to move the market indoors over the winter months. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure a location.” But, she added, “We’ll be looking to start the Downtown Market on June 1st, 2011.”

This year’s market opened June 2 on the former site of the Arlington Inn at the corner of 51 Avenue and 49 Street. It ran till October 6 and was designed to encourage people to walk and shop downtown, and attract new visitors.

“We were very, very pleased with everything!” says Elna Edgar from the Innisfail Growers Co-op. “Our customers were very happy to have another location to pick up their fresh vegetables and in most cases we had an opportunity to see them twice a week. We are definitely planning on attending next year if you will have us back!”

Karen Miller was a repeat customer at the market. “I absolutely loved the market and attended it regularly. It was a great opportunity to pick up fresh vegetables, fruit and organic meat mid-week … can’t wait till next year.”

Some market vendors are still offering their products. Beck Farms/Innisfail Growers sells fresh vegetables once a month at the Eastview Estates Community Hall (120 Ellenwood Drive) between ten and noon. The next date is December 11. MSW Meats supplies elk, bison, longhorn and angus beef year round at their farm store location and are hosting a Christmas open house November 26 and 27.

– Cryderman