Thousands flock to St. Norbert Farmers’ Market on opening day

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This article was published 16/05/2015 (4028 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thousands flocked to Manitoba’s largest farmers’ market today to grab the only decent slice of weather this long weekend has to offer.

With sunshine and a high of 22 C, the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market experienced its earliest and busiest opening day on Saturday. Executive director Marilyn Firth estimated close to 8,000 people would pass through the market by the 3 p.m. closing time Saturday – right around when the weather was expected to turn ugly. Rain then freezing rain then snow in some parts are forecast for southern Manitoba with wicked north winds whipping up to 80 km/h.

On a sunny Saturday morning, market-goers with their kids and dogs in tow sipped lemonade and celebrated World Fiddle Day. The farmers’ market kicked off its 27th season with fiddlers of all ages busking throughout the market and on the main stage.

Seemingly oblivious to the horrible weather on its way, crowds clapped their hands, tapped their toes and wagged their tails to the sounds of the Southglen Fiddlers and the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers performing the heel-toe polka, “St. Norbert Style,” said dance troupe leader, Kevin Chief, Manitoba’s minister of jobs and the economy.

The annual opening of the market was a magnet for area politicians – MP Rod Bruinooge (Winnipeg South), St. Norbert MLA Dave Gaudreau and city Coun. Janice Lukes were there. Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman was there with his wife and two young sons.

“We’re regulars,” said Bowman, whose kids duelled behind him with balloon swords made by the market’s Floyd the Clown. “It’s a great thing to do with your family,” he said. “It brings the community together.”