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On November 10, 2007 I went to the Old Strathcona Farmers Market, this is a Market I have been going to for the last 7 years or so. I have enjoyed the venture down to the Old Strathcona Market on Saturdays to purchase my Veggies, Qillos, Pasta, Preserves, Honey, Baking, Chia Tea, Cabbage Health Salads and usually Lunch at the Canteen. This past Saturaday (Nov. 10, 2007) started off with my usual visit to the Canteen for Lunch. I purchased a bowl of Pea Soup my favorite and a Drink. When I sat down to eat my soup, I soon realized after a spoonful or two, the soup was ice cold, not even warm. I went back to the Lady on cash, and I mentioned that the Pea Soup was cold, the Lady repleid extremely rudely and very abuseively, to me by saying to me (What the Hell was my problem today, she continued to raise her voice to me. I was so embarased at this point, and was close to tears as this Lady continued to be little me in front of so many people. I finally asked this Lady her name and she said (MARIA) and that she was the (MANAGER). MARIA then proceeded to throw money down on the counter, I told her I was not asking for a refund, I was just saying the soup was cold; and could it be heated up in the kitchen for me. MARIA continued to be abbusive towards me. This experience was so upsetting to me, that I just left the market without getting anything. I will never come back to this market again. I usually spend over $1500.00 per year there. It is so awful when you have a (MANAGER) acting this way and treating customers so abusively. I should alos mention, I drive up from Calgary, AB.

Ms. K. Maves

I absolutely love this Market and from what I've seen so does everybody else! The Market is popular with locals as well as with tourists! I go there every Saturday to buy my fresh veggies and meat. The atmosphere is unbeatable and I'm shocked to hear these negative comments about it. The Market is a great place, don't listen to the naysayers!

The buskers r grrrrrrrreat

BEST GREEN ONION CAKES IN THE CITY

Old Strathcona is the liveliest neighbourhood in Edmonton and the Farmers' Market is a jewel in our crown!

Everytime I come to the Market their is something new and exciting to see! My daughter absolutely adores the facepainter - she won't leave without having her face painted! And the Hutterite tomatoes are the most delicious, succulent vegetables I have ever tasted.

I luv Whyte Ave and the Market!!!

It's a great place to buy locally produced items and the vendors really make you feel like you're part of one big happy family!!

I would like to know how to get a venue at the Strathcona Market. Any one out there who knows please leave a blog and I will read it, have left many messages but usually find the mailbox full Thanks

I have to agree with the other poster who said the building this farmer's market is located in is MUCH too small for the kind of crowds it attracts. My husband and I have been there several times, each time thinking maybe we'll have a better experience than the last. Even getting there as soon as it opens, it's already so crowded we can't even stop to look at anything without being shoved around and pushed constantly. For us, anyway, this market has a horrible atmosphere, and I think we've pretty much given up on going there.

dont bother trying to get a table at this market; unless you are in with the people who run it (who, by the way have been in control too long) there is little chance of getting on. it is already overcrowded and their jury process is completely unfair. i overheard a juror and long time table holder (sells baking) bashing a person trying to get a table (also a baker)...it made the whole thing look so petty. obviously their jury is a little protective unit that is bent on not bringing in anyone in direct competition with their already established tables. it is terrible. i will never go back to that market, aside from the chaos their practice is rotten and so are their attitudes.

I want to respond to some of the negative comments being left on this blog about the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. In regards to the small size of the market, it is located in one of Edmonton's historical buildings, which makes the possibilities of expansion unlikely. I personally think that the crowded aisles of the market on any given Saturday are a testament to the popularity of the market. If you want to avoid the crowds, try coming later in the afternoon, or maybe on a rainy day. As for becoming a vendor at the farmers' market, applications are available from the information booth in aisle 5 and will soon be available online from the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market website. Keep in mind though that just because you apply, it does not guarantee you a spot in the market - because it is a FARMERS' market, there are certain requirements outlining the ratio of farmers to baked goods to crafts, etc. that must be maintained. Finally, the market is under new management, so if you have tried to get a table in the past and feel you were unfairly denied the opportunity, I recommend that you apply again. If you genuinely believe that you have something unique to offer that is home grown, homemade, or home baked, then I'm sure the new vendor jury at the market would be more than willing to give you consideration.

can someone let me know how to get in contact with someone in getting a booth

thanks

Carolyn, if you go to the information booth at the market, you will be able to pick up a copy of the 'vendor application form' as well as copies of the market policy.

Good luck!

This Market has to be thought of as an adventure. I don't go weekly, but when I do go, I always enjoy my time there, regardless of the vast amounts of people roaming through. It is a great market, if you want something smaller on a Saturday, check out the on in Capilano mall market. If you really hate the crowds, the city offers many other markets to go to throughout the week. Its a big city, you need to expect a large amount of people at the Market. So don't hate this market, just find one you are more comfortable with.

Cheers!

great market great people watching. great food. Carl Parisien