New summer markets approved by Town on of Claresholm council

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A proposal for downtown open markets this summer was approved by the Town of Claresholm council.
Question: How can the town improve downtown foot traffic, support local businesses, attract tourism, and generate funds for community events without placing a financial burden on small businesses.
Answer: create a recurring downtown open market.
A recent downtown business survey identified that local businesses want to see increased foot traffic and more activity in the downtown core, Town of Claresholm Chief Administrator Officer Abe Tinney told town council at its March 10 meeting.
Town Community Engagement Coordinator Megan McClung, “is looking at doing downtown open markets (and) market events and would like to know council’s thoughts and direction on possibly doing that,” Tinney said.
Claresholm has a provincially approved farmer’s market operating every summer the town administration says would not have to compete with a new market.
“The event aligns with our downtown revitalization and tourism growth efforts,” Tinney said. “Administration recognizes that the community has a farmers’ market. Our intention is not to replace or compete with the farmers’ market but rather to complement it. farmers’ markets cater to a different vendor base.
“Traditional farmers’ markets are more food-to-table goods, vegetables and maybe some high-risk food products,” Tinney said. “And so, these would feature artisan, low-risk food products, crafts, things like that.
“Our engagement coordinator is very connected with people who do open markets and has had a lot of interest in the past couple of years in people coming to Claresholm and people already in Claresholm having some kind of market.
“Additionally, as we seek fundraising solutions for summer events, we are committed to avoiding direct financial requests from small businesses. With these insights, we propose launching a weekly open market event on Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. in Amundsen Park. The open market would launch on May 20 (and go) to Sept. 30.”
The market is in alignment with the Stay and Play tourism initiative to get visitors to explore the town’s best kept secrets.
McClung said over 80 vendors from previous markets have expressed interest in the open markets, ensuring a strong starting base.
The market will feature artisans, low-risk food products, such as bread and jams, and commercial kitchen vendors selling prepared food. Food trucks may be incorporated as an additional draw, pending final decision.
From a town cost perspective, the financial overhead is low.
Vendors are self-sufficient, bringing their own tents and tables for setup and takedown. The Amundsen Park washrooms will be open and are one of the few town facilities required.
Minimal staff involvement is required, as vendor coordination and fee collection, at $20 per vendor, will be managed by the event organizer.
The open markets, Tinney said, will “drive consistent weekly tourism and local engagement into the downtown core. And encourage visitors to explore local businesses before and after the market.”