Old Strathcona Farmers' Market — Local services in Greater Strathcona

As Shakespeare would say..

"Verily, the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market doth present itself as a delightful trove of fresh harvest, dairy, and rustic comestibles. This lively marketplace doth exude an earthly plenty, proffering an array of untainted farm-fresh provisions that would set any gastronome's heart aflutter. From crisped, locally sown vegetables to luscious, handcrafted cheeses, the excellence and diversity presented are beyond compare. What distinguishes this emporium is its close kinship to the yeomen who labor to bring forth these doleful yet exquisite offerings.

Handcrafted soap, like artisanal alchemy, doth cleanse and soothe. Fine wines and delectable deli fare, a feast fit for royalty, await thee. 'Tis an earthly abundance that speaks of toil by honest yeomen, who bring forth these wares with melancholic devotion. Verily, this market invites thee to partake in the fruits of their labor, forging connections and gratitude for life's simple pleasures. A must-visit, where the earth's rich offerings sing in sweet harmony.

One canst commune with those very hands that till the soil, cultivating a sense of fellowship and thanksgiving for life's humble pleasures.

A pilgrimage it must be for all who yearn for an unblemished taste of virtuous...

Nice balance of produce, food stuffs, health items and artisinal crafts. Metal works, glass, jewelry, etc, to rocks & gems. Finally a broader choice of skin care and grooming products, too, yay! Buskers, face-painting...plenty of expensive parking nearby--esp, when you get a ticket! (Thanks YEG, I was only 7 min late. Lol, I do believe the alleged "free parking" to be a myth!) [Edit: free is not a myth. 3 prkg lots imed. east, the furthest north east lot has 1 hr free, IF you electronically "purchase" ticket. $80 if you don't. 😔] ATMs on site, easy wheelchair access, incl 1 w/ch stall in the ladies'. Picnic tables are upstairs. Awesome vendors all-round--you MUST try a cookie puck at Cookie Crumbs. Undecided? Go for their Japanese cheesecake, or salted caramel filling. Then the gelato across the aisle, as he has genius combinations, & awesome technique! Apologies, but I THINK the name is "Scratch Gelato"? Find it. Eat it. Thank me later. Need a cup of coffee? Wait, and find Pact, a block away, on 82nd. Visiting YEG? Make a day of it, there's so much to do nearby. Great location, smack in the middle of most...

The hunnybunny has been coming to the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market for a long, long time, so it was a double pleasure when she chose to share it with me. I grew up in farmers' markets in New Jersey; think full-sized barrels of sour pickles and whatever came off the farm last week.

The market has both vendors and farmers: there's home-made pillows, wall hangings, jewelry, and my favorites, the food. There's veggies and fruits from vendors in Alberta and BC, eggs & chickens from the Hutterites, pirogues and other delicacies from the old country, the best pork products ever, fancied olives with all sorts of stuffings, the Greek couple who beckon the market-goers with compliments and entreaties to try their delicious tzadziki, the cheese curd ladies, and dozens more including several vendors offering game meats, from duck to bison.

There's also some prepared food and coffee for sale at the far end of the market.

The market is worth visiting for the homey old-town feeling alone, and the fresh-from-farm staples and prepared foods make a cornerstone to our fridge....