Competition spurs Calgary's farmers markets

Farmers marketsare spreading across Calgary, and competition for consumers' dollars is growing.

"I've never worked so hard and been so broke," said Charles Gow, who works seven days a week with his wife Melanie Parent to breathe new life into the old Blackfoot Outdoor Farmers Market on 11th Street S.E.

Despite the long hours, the couple love their work. "There's trees, there's a playground, so everybody can have a good time," Parent told CBC News.

The Blackfoot market has been in business since 1983 but the last fewyears have been a struggle. When Gow and Parent took over last December they knew they were facing some big challenges.

'I've never worked so hard and been so broke.' Charles Gow of Blackfoot Farmers Market

With a vintage carousel to keep the kids happy and a vendor fee of $25 per weekend, the couple decided to target families on a budget. But even with those advantages going for their market, Gow and Parent know they have to work hard to attract buyers and keep vendors.

"I just talked to a vendor and he said, 'WellI want to go to another one,' and it's like 'Do what you want,'" Parent said. "We're here, we're happy to be here, but it's not like we're the only ones, so there's competition."

At the Kingsland Farmers' Market, just off MacLeod Trail South, organizer Tim Hoven said he welcomes the competition.

"You know competition is a good thing,"Hoven said. "It makes everyone play their A game makes everyone be more creative with their marketing and it makes it a lot more fun."

For Gow and Parent, the "fun" is in holding on to their vision.

"It's stressful with the weather, being a true outdoor farmers market," Gow said, "butI mean we've met some great people and we think we have the heart to sustain it."