Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
The ever-popular Farm-Her Market will be returning to Falher during the weekend of the SARDA Ag Research Trade Show at the Smoky River Community Hall on March 29.
President and founder of the Northern Rural Chicks, Alex Brochu, says the committee’s goal is to provide support for women in the region, which aligns with organizing a Women’s Market to help promote home businesses, crafters, and other women with various specialties.
“After a huge market success back in 2023, we decided to host another market this year,” says Brochu of their decision to host a market during the trade show.
“We had received such positive feedback from both the attendees and the vendors that we had to host this market once again and that – hopefully – we can continue to do so for many more years.”
The committee is welcoming any interested homebased vendors to participate in their event that will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“This year, we are welcoming unique vendors from all over the Peace Country as well as High Prairie, Grande Prairie, Valleyview, Edmonton and beyond,” Brochu explains.
“From wine vendors to home décor and from chocolate delicacies to baking goods, we will have on site, vendors for everyone. We will also have a concession on site operated by Bobo Simard,” she adds.
Brochu says the Farm-Her Artisan Market is a great occasion to support local and Canadian-made products, with the Northern Rual Chicks hoping to host a very unique market.
“The reason why our committee chose to host this market during the SARDA Ag Research Trade Show was because we wanted to offer an event for the women who are attending the trade show,” she says.
“We wanted to offer them a unique market. This also gives the perfect opportunity to home-based businesses to sell and promote their products.”
The event is open to everyone, with their main targeted audience being women. Brochu says this is a perfect way to spend a Saturday with friends or family members.
“At the moment, we have a limited amount of tables available, with a cost of $50,” says Brochu.
“We have been in contact with many vendors as well, who still need to confirm their attendance. We are looking for unique vendors who make their own products such as baking, unique home decor, paintings, wood artifacts, and other items.”
Brochu says part of the reason they chose the trade show weekend, is the SARDA Ag Research Trade Show is known to be one of the best agricultural shows in Alberta and they’re hoping to have thousands of people attend both the trade show and Farm-Her Artisan Market.
She explains the mandate of the Northern Rural Chicks is to provide opportunities and support to Northern Alberta women. She adda the area lacks support and services for women in rural settings and even fewer for women in the agricultural sector.
“We have a lack of support for the women who operate the farm machinery, take care of the farm ledgers, makes meals, operates a business from home, raises children,” Brochu notes.
“Our committee is attempting to help all of these women by organizing and hosting events that can provide them with the tools that they need to continue their busy lives. Hence, we organize our Women’s Day where we welcome hundreds of women to gather for one day to listen to amazing guest speakers and organize workshops, markets and others. We are a unique committee with a specific goal: to help the women in our region that benefits the community.”
If you are interested in purchasing a booth, feel free to contact northernruralchicks@gmail.com or send them a message via Facebook.
Northern Rural Chicks will also be hosting a number of upcoming events and Brochu asks individuals to stop at their booth at the Farm-Her Artisan market for more information.