Farmers’ Market takes it to the streets


She’s All Shook Up – Five-year-old Elvis fan Kiara Gauthier stands in awe of Elvis tribute artist Rick Johnsen during his set at Friday’s Farmers’ Market. Miss Gauthier saw the performer on the festival event poster and had to come to Morinville to see his show. She was rewarded with one of Elvis’ trademark scarves. See Pages 28-29 for more street performer photos. – Stephen Dafoe Photos

By Morinville News Staff

Morinville – Friday’s Farmers’ Market offered something a little extra besides the crafts and produce regularly found in the Parish Hall parking lot each week. A carnival atmosphere descended on the market, complete with inflatable children’s amusements, a fundraising dunk tank, and a collection of street performers to entertain the crowds.

Fret 17 Productions teamed up with the friends of the Morinville Public Library to bring the festival to the market, serving the dual purpose of fundraiser for the library and sideshow to draw in a larger than normal market crowd.

“It’s the most amazing Farmers’ Market I’ve seen in Morinville,” said Market Manager Korien Sampson after Friday’s event. “The customers loved it. The vendors loved it. It was a great big success.”

Sampson said she felt the carnival atmosphere brought a lot of extra interest to the market. “I think it shows we are a valuable market,” she said, adding it had the extra benefit of raising money for the Friends of the Morinville Public Library Society.

The Farmers’ Market will hold another major event later this summer, the Second Annual Battle of the Chillies Cook Off. That event is scheduled for September.


Rapper Iain Marsh lays down some impressive rhymes early in the festival.


The Morinville Jazz Band plays a familiar numbers in their own jazzy style


Christan Maslyk of Canyon Rose Outfit plays a solo set


Community Peace Officer James Alaeddine sends a ball to dunk fellow Peace Officer Eric Nicholson. A full slate of local and market personalities hit the water throughout the day.


Six-year-old Olivia Seguin takes a leap down the giant inflatable slide, one of the colourful attractions at Friday’s market.

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