Busy summer ahead for Grand Markets Edmonton
Grand Markets Edmonton has launched its 2024 season, and there are some changes afoot for those looking for locally made food, beverages, and art.
The 124 Street Market, which runs on Thursdays in the vicinity of 108 Avenue, was able to expand after Audio Ark and Apple Dental Care offered up their parking lots to the market, founder Kirsta Franke told Taproot. The market can now house about 25 additional vendors and more food trucks.
In these inflationary times, such an expansion may be surprising, especially when it comes to artisanal bread, locally distilled vodkas, and clay earrings. But Franke said some small businesses are more game to take risks post-pandemic.
"It has been a really exciting time to see new businesses come out into the market and to see people trying new things," she said. "Maybe they had a failed business, but they're trying it back at a farmers' market stall and really rebuilding the connection with their consumers, testing out their products, because markets are a fantastic place to test a local product."
There are benefits for consumers, too, she said, as they can see their dollar staying in the local economy instead of going to a large corporation. "Maybe they're not buying every single item in their pantry or fridge, but they're definitely either finding something new or going back for something that they love, and they trust, and they believe in."
Franke said she has accepted applications from more brewers and distillers in recent years — customers may see Leduc's Badlands Distillery, St. Albert's Black Diamond Distillery, and Sherwood Park's Manual Labour Beer among the offerings this season. There has also been an increase in women entrepreneurs, she said.
She has noted a decrease in the number of food trucks across the region. "They're expensive to run and to find the best location to connect with a consumer audience," Franke said. This year, there will be a rotating selection of four food trucks at the 124 Street location each week, including El Mero Mero Taquería, Flipside BBQ, and Veggie Delights.
Grand Markets is also introducing a new Saturday market in the Canadian Tire parking lot at South Edmonton Common starting on June 1. And it is continuing last year's pop-up night markets. The 102 Avenue location returns on June 2, and the markets will run until mid-October.
