The summer is quickly heating up for a pair of new markets getting ready to launch in west Winnipeg.

On Tues., June 19, the Wolseley Farmers’ Market will open at R. A. Steen Community Centre. The market, organized by Jonathan’s Farm and Community Supported Agriculture, will operate Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m.

"The idea started off as a drop off for our vegetable CSA," said Jonathan Stevens, owner of Jonathan’s Farm, located north of Tuelon near Winnipeg Beach.

"We thought it would be interesting to move it to the community centre and invite other vendors. From there, the idea developed."

The market will feature about eight vendors a day selling local food, produce, and crafts, as well as live music.

When the market begins in July, it will also include workshops on everything from bicycle repair and food preservation to storytelling.

"We just wanted to make this an exciting community event," said Stevens, who grew up in Wolseley, and lives in the West End when he’s not operating the farm. "One that strengthens the community and strengthens the skill base for sustainable living."

The market will run until the end of October, and Stevens is hopeful he can continue it through the winter.

Meanwhile, St. James resident Paula Mohsen is still looking for artisans and crafters for a market she hopes to open June 23 in the parking lot of Canad Inns Stadium.

Mohsen wants to bring small businesses and artisans with unique products to the high-traffic retail area.

"Every business needs a chance to grow and that’s what this market is about," she said.

"I want to give small businesses a chance to at least be in the same area and benefit from the traffic."

The Soko Inc - Summer Market would be offered Saturdays from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m to 5 p.m.

It would operate until about September, or whenever the Winnipeg Blue Bombers move to their new stadium at the University of Manitoba, and the old stadium is turned over to the city, she said.

"I want to encourage people to see what’s in the community and to invest in the community," Mohsen said.

For more information on the Wolseley Farmer’s Market, visit http://jonathansfarm.com.

For more information on the Soko Summer Market, contact Mohsen at (204) 891-8749, or visit the market’s Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/SokoMarket.

Facebook.com/TheMetroWPG
Twitter: @metroWPG

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com