Every Friday, the Town Centre springs to life with activity as the Brandon Farmers Market sets up tables along the mall’s main strip, offering a wide variety of home-made products for sale.
“We are a coop, so everyone has to go through an application process to sell their product,” said Georgine Mann, President of the Brandon Farmers Market.
“We like to keep things more home-based. Our motto is ‘Make it, Bake it, Grow it.’”
The Brandon Farmers Market boasts nearly 40 producers offering anything from home-grown produce, fresh baking, crocheting, and even home-made jewellery.
“The best part of setting up in the Town Centre is the fact that we can operate rain or shine,” said Mann.
“We go year-round, right up until Christmas when we take three weeks off, but then we’re back at it again. Being under a roof helps us continue to get out there every week.”
Money from sales goes directly to the producers, who only have to pay a one-time $10 membership application fee.
“The Brandon Farmers Market is great for anyone that wants good, quality home-Manitoba-made products straight from the producer,” said Mann.
“Directly interacting with the customers makes it easy for producers to share information on their products. For example, if you asked me what goes into the honey I sell, I could tell you all about the nectar. But if you asked the same question at a grocery store, the clerk wouldn’t likely be able to answer your question, or even know what you are talking about.”
The Brandon Farmers Market runs all-day, every Friday until the end of June when they start operating on Saturdays as well. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the Brandon Farmers Market Coop, they are welcome to call Georgine Mann at 328-7332, or Jeanette Ens at 763-4888.