The Mountain Market has been a staple scene every Sunday morning for the past few months. But this Sunday is the last time that the vendors, farmers and artisans will gather to sell their goods to locals.
Dawn Deydey, the market manager, said that the market had a great season, with thanks to all the people involved.
“It’s been an amazing year. It’s really been probably the best year ever. What was great is that we had amazing food vendors, we had a way bigger turnout for farmers, [and] we had consistent local farmers. We’ve always had consistent turn out for artisans,” Deydey said.
The market, which runs on Sunday for the final time from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., only had to battle rain on one occasion. Deydey says that the vendors are “pretty hard core” and will set up regardless of the rain.
Although the market will be finished with regular meetings after Labour Day, Deydey is excited that the Mountain Market will be featured at the Harvest Feast and Fest this year.
“One thing that changed for this year is that we actually have a harvest market coming up, and that’s what is so exciting because for so many years we have wanted to make that a reality, so this is the year that it finally has all come together,” she said. The market will be featured at the Fest part of the Feast and Fest, and will set up at Prentice Park on Sept. 20 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“If you think about the big harvest – the pumpkins, the apples, the pears – that’s the food that stores well for winter. That’s the time you need it, it’s not ready at the end of August. It’s nice that we can have a market later in September.”
Deydey said that another factor that enhanced the market this year was the stronger presence of the food trucks. The food trucks will gather again at the Harvest Fest for a “food truck fiesta.”
“Fernie has got great food, we’re really lucky, and we like to celebrate that,” said Deydey.