Falher (Rural Roots Canada) –  The second edition of the Farm-Her Artisan Market drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, with organizers celebrating a busy day filled with local vendors, families, and community support.

“It went extremely well,” said organizer Alexandra Brochu. “We had an amazing turnout of vendors and also event attendees. It was a very busy day.”

Held alongside the SARDA Agricultural Trade Show, the market has quickly become a popular event in the Peace Country. Brochu said the lively atmosphere showed just how much people appreciate the chance to support local.

“I think the atmosphere is that people are happy to come in and to support local businesses, either their home base or a corporate business,” she said. “Everybody was happy to see the attendees come in, the buyers, the kids that were in today. It was great. It was awesome.”

Compared to its first year, Brochu said organizing this year’s market was noticeably smoother — a sign that the event is gaining momentum.

“This event was way easier than the first one, which is good,” she said. “So either the word is getting out that we are doing the market here in conjunction with the startup trade show, or the vendors are also helping us to spread the word around. So it’s good. It’s really good.”

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With another successful year behind them, organizers are already planning for the next one.

“So now we’re going to plan an event for either the fall or next spring,” Brochu said. “We’re going to see what we decide to do. But there is another event for sure.”

The Farm-Her Market is part of a larger mission to support women in Northern Alberta. Brochu said her team works year-round to provide meaningful opportunities and resources.

“So our mandate is to provide opportunities and support for Northern Alberta women,” she explained. “We do that by doing our Women’s Days event, where we’re paying guest speakers. When the guest speakers come in, either we touch on the subjects of mental health, physical health, gardening, and farming. When the women give us their feedback, sometimes we have to direct them to a few outlets of where they need help. That’s what we do for them.”

Reflecting on the day, Brochu said she couldn’t be more pleased.

“We’re just very happy with the turnout we had today. Super happy. It’s good.”