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All kinds of produce will be available at this year’s Farmer’s Market.

It’s a familiar routine for many Manito­bans — a casual stroll through a tent on a sunny day while perusing locally pro­duced fruit, vegetables, meats and more.

And with St. Norbert Farmers’ Market poised to open for business for its 22nd year on June 5, it’s that time again.

One of the market’s key organizer is hoping to maintain the momentum and success of previous seasons.

"Our biggest goal every year is to present a great outdoors market for people to enjoy," said Marilyn Firth, the market’s community relations manager.

"We want to give people the opportunity to discover and support some of the amazing products being made, baked and grown by members of our Manitoba community."

This season, there will plenty for patrons to support, with more than 150 vendors set to pitch their stalls and sell their goods.

There should be something for everyone, as vendors will range from purveyors of pet products to growers of plants and flowers as well as makers of preserves and honey.

Firth is also keen to point out an egg-citing first for the market this season.

"One exciting piece of news is that we will finally have eggs at the market," said Firth, noting the enterprise was named among the Top 10 markets in the country by the Canadian Tourism Commission this year.

"A producer from Steinbach will be bringing in the eggs. Historically, we haven’t had eggs because smaller producers have not had the ability to meet the health regulations for selling at an open-air market. This vendor, Hermann Grauer, is able to do so."

While Firth and organizers have a handle on the market’s vendors, there is little they can do to control Winnipeg’s summer weather.

"Weather is always on our minds. On that front, one special hope for the market this year is that the weather co-operates better than last year. Last year was challenging with the frequent cold and rain," she said.

In terms of buyer behaviour, Firth said the market has become increasingly important to the community as more people look to buy local.

"With all the gloomy economic news in the papers these days, buying local just makes sense," Firth said.

"I also think people are increasingly interested in buying food that hasn’t travelled for days and days. Local food is so much fresher, because when you’re buying it at the market, you are buying it just hours after it’s been picked."

Hours quickly become years where the market’s history is concerned.

And a look back to the first St. Norbert Farmers’ Market in July 1988 gives an idea of how much things have grown.

Back then, there were eight vendors gathered on the grass, no canopies, no parking lot and little fanfare.

Fast-forward to the present, and visitors will be able to look forward the return of live entertainment each week and live animals at the market once a month.

St. Norbert Farmers’ Market opens on June 5 at 8 a.m. and is set to close for the season at 3 p.m. on Oct. 30.

For more information, visit www.stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com