While I do constantly lament the hiatus of my favourite (City Centre) farmers’ market over the winter months, I know I really ought to look on the bright side and take in one of the several year round farmers’ markets in Edmonton. One such market is located in Sherwood Park, at the Salisbury Greenhouse. Mack, Grandma Male and I checked it out for the first time last week.

Besides being my first visit to their market, it was also the first time I had been to the greenhouse. I wasn’t expecting their enormous Christmas decoration section – between their enormous assortment of ornaments and tree varieties (including a few trees hung upside-down), I almost felt like I was at the Festival of Trees! Salisbury is definitely worth a peek if you’re looking to deck the halls.

Christmas Central!

How about a palm tree for Christmas?

Can’t forget the poinsettias!

The market itself is fabulous, and a lot larger than I anticipated. It isn’t fair to compare Salisbury to an outdoor market or even to the Old Strathcona venue because of its dual purpose space, but aside from a too-dim interior, I loved it.

Salisbury Farmers’ Market

The vibe was great – patrons chatting up a storm with vendors, and as a bonus, the market was giving away $5 gift certificates to the first 50 people who asked for them, so between Mack and myself, we rang up $10 worth of free food. They said the promotion will continue until the December 17 market.

Produce!

I appreciated the variety of vendors there, which was a mix of familiar (Irvings Farm Fresh, Medicine Man Bison and enSante) and not so familiar (we picked up some baked goods and veggies from vendors that I neglected to note down). We also discovered another locally-roasted coffee company called Blackdoor Coffee based out of Camrose. The beans are fair trade, obtained from a women’s co-operative, and some of the profits from sales are donated to a women’s shelter in Camrose.

In addition, the market featured a non-profit organization that rehabilitates miniature horses as therapy animals – one of their charges was greeting customers all over the space, too cute!

Almost actual size

While I can’t say I will be back to Salisbury frequently (Old Strathcona is definitely more central and easier for me to get to), if you live in the area or don’t mind the drive, it is a worthwhile market to visit.

Salisbury Farmers’ Market
52337 – Range Road 232, Sherwood Park
Thursdays year-round, 4:30-8pm