Fort Mac Hand Crafted Market
is now piloting outdoor markets every other Saturday through the summer at
Marine Park Museum! Join us "where steel meets keel"
and find farm-fresh produce, Alberta raised meats, and ready to eat meals.
You can shop local for bread, ciders and sweet delights, or treat yourself to
handcrafted jewelry, local art, or bespoke clothing. Vendors vary from
date to date so there will be something new and some regulars at each market.
The Marine Park is a 4
acre site located along the Clearwater River in Fort McMurray’s lower town site
on Clearwater Drive. This is the original site of the shipyards where, after
spring break up, passengers and freight destined for the north were transferred
from rail to ship (or barge). Its unique history also makes it the perfect spot
for a market as they are a natural occurrence anywhere trade goods are unloaded
and transferred.
Joanna Torguson, President
of FMHCMarket, is grateful for the partnership. “It means we don’t have to shut
down over the summer and can offer a new opportunity for business growth to our
member vendors.” The Museum benefits from the funds raised from space rentals
and increased traffic. Funds raised helps them build their programs and rebuild
Heritage Park which is still recovering from a devastating flood.
The community can now
enjoy outdoor markets twice as often as dates have been carefully selected so
as not to overlap with existing farmer’s markets. There are five more markets
planned for the summer: July 4th, July 18th, August 1st,
August 15th, and August 29th (which is also the date of
the annual Strongman Competition).
FMHCMarket is a grassroots collective of vendors who, primarily,
work together create craft shows once each month. Founded in January 2014 to
showcase local artisans with cottage businesses. The vision is a handmade only
market and a mechanism to help member artisans become more successful.
A big fan of collaboration and community
building, Torguson designed the market as a fundraiser that pops up regularly
on the first Saturday of the month, except during the summer when the school is
closed. As a pop-up, the market can happen at any location hosted by any group
that needs easy fundraising. Special markets may pop up anywhere and anytime!
For more
information, contact:
Joanna
Torguson, President
Fort Mac
Hand Crafted Market
780-881-7876
Roseanne
Davidson, Executive Director
Fort
McMurray Historical Society
