One of the greatest experiences that Alberta has to offer is the many farmers’ markets spread around the province. These markets are the best place to do many different actions at the same time – you support local farmers and artisans while also getting some of the best food in Alberta! Last Saturday I visited the Millarville Farmers’ Market, a great farmers’ market with over 170 vendors, and was greeted with some of the best foods I have ever tasted.
The market contained a diverse set of shops, with each vendor catering to a different taste. Though there were many which I enjoyed, but my favourite was Tim’s Gourmet Frozen Pizza. This wonderful store offers a variety of pizzas in three different sizes: Little Tims, Tims, and Big Tims. The pizzas can be cooked in two different ways, in the oven or on the barbeque, with the second option creating some of the most delicious pizzas that can be cooked at home. Tim’s Gourmet Frozen Pizza sells pizzas at Millarville as well as four other locations, making it easy to grab a pizza no matter where you are.Another portion of the Farmers’ Market which can add to one’s experience is the hay ride. Though I didn’t partake in this, many children seem excited to go on this ride, which would make any day traveling with younger siblings easier, as they can enjoy themselves on the ride, and then come with you back to the stores and participate in the best activity that any farmers’ market offers – sampling.
As I walked around the farmers’ market, I was surprised by the sheer amount of stores offering samples. No matter where I turned, something could be tasted, whether it be cheese, bread or cherries! All these foods were delicious, with each stall being manned by staff which would help you decide on which type of food to buy while also filling you in on the history of the farm, where the food was grown, or what was used to grow it, answering all the questions I had, and telling my mind something that my stomach had already decided – that the food I was trying was of the highest quality, and would please any palate. As I traveled around the market, I was delighted to also see that there was a concession building located in the centre of the market offering delicious meals such as grilled cheese sandwiches and fries, something which continued to add to my experience and keep me from eating all the food I purchased.After this great experience, I was wondering if there were any other farmers’ markets out there which would allow me to taste some more great local foods, and after a quick search, I was delighted to find that there are over 100 markets in Alberta. These markets are all part of the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association, which contains a search engine to allow you to easily find a farmers’ market no matter where you are in Alberta.
As I walked around the farmers’ market, I was surprised by the sheer amount of stores offering samples. No matter where I turned, something could be tasted, whether it be cheese, bread or cherries! All these foods were delicious, with each stall being manned by staff which would help you decide on which type of food to buy while also filling you in on the history of the farm, where the food was grown, or what was used to grow it, answering all the questions I had, and telling my mind something that my stomach had already decided – that the food I was trying was of the highest quality, and would please any palate. As I traveled around the market, I was delighted to also see that there was a concession building located in the centre of the market offering delicious meals such as grilled cheese sandwiches and fries, something which continued to add to my experience and keep me from eating all the food I purchased.After this great experience, I was wondering if there were any other farmers’ markets out there which would allow me to taste some more great local foods, and after a quick search, I was delighted to find that there are over 100 markets in Alberta. These markets are all part of the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association, which contains a search engine to allow you to easily find a farmers’ market no matter where you are in Alberta.