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The best of St. Albert

Any market is a vibrant cacophony of sights, sounds, smells and colour with its agricultural bounty of breads, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables. But once the St.
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Any market is a vibrant cacophony of sights, sounds, smells and colour with its agricultural bounty of breads, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables.

But once the St. Albert Outdoor Farmers’ Market spreads its booths downtown on Saturday, it becomes the focal point of summer life, a great place to soak up local atmosphere.

Approximately 250 street vendors set up stalls along St. Anne and St. Thomas streets, made pedestrian-friendly by the city. Each booth, whether it sells bohemian art, pottery, glassworks or clothing, vies for attention. And in the merry-go-round of sales, seasoned vendors quote prices and quickly make change while carrying on friendly conversations.

The largest and most touristy of all the greater Edmonton area’s markets, it is operated through the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. What better way to offer locals and travellers fresh locally grown foods or one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts?

For many visitors it’s a great way to de-stress. Just grab an eco-friendly shopping bag and ramble through the market listening to entertaining buskers. Treat yourself to fragrant breakfast cinnamon buns, juicy B.C. fruit or bag a package of free-range steaks for the evening’s barbecue.

Buying locally has many advantages including reducing the carbon footprint. Food tastes better. It is healthier, promotes genetic diversity and pumps more money into the local economy.

The chamber operates the outdoor market for 16 consecutive weeks come rain or shine. Once again the Gazette launches a summer series entitled Market Square, a simple guide aimed at putting urban dwellers in touch with their rural counterparts and area artisans.

In addition to offering traditional wares, market manager Debbie Grant is excited about new six new products – organic fruit wine, flax and canola oil, homemade cheese balls, Latin American barbecue sauces and wooden puzzles.

One recognizable face, now in his fourth year at the market, is Arved Benefeldt, operator of Many Hills Bison Ranch. On his 640 acre spread near Busby, Benefeldt raises about 150 head of bison and sells government inspected sausage, roasts, steaks, burger patties, ground beef and jerky.

Although born in Germany, he was raised in South Africa and operated a cattle, sheep and hunting ranch until the political climate became too unstable. While celebrating his 25th anniversary with a trip to Canada, he and his wife fell in love with Alberta and settled here, raising about 350 bison for breeding purposes.

When the BSE crisis struck and heifer calves selling for $3,000 suddenly plunged to $100 overnight, Benefeldt culled his herd to about 150 head and attempted selling bison meat at area markets. “It was a tough time,” Benefeldt says. “But people from the city were more open to new ideas than rural areas.”

Although not certified organic, his bison herd ranges freely on pastures that are fertilizer and pesticide free. “It’s better for you and better for me.”

Reflecting a particular care and pride in his stock, Benefeldt is a big booster of bison and marvels at the far-flung places his products have travelled: Afghanistan, Australia, Japan and the United States. “I even have one man in Sherwood Park who buys $150 of jerky a month for his dog. At first I thought he was joking.”

It wasn’t easy to obtain a stall at the popular St. Albert Outdoor Farmers’ Market, but Benefeldt is forever grateful to the shoppers who were willing to experiment with his lean bison.

A Park and Ride shuttle is available from St. Albert Centre to St. Anne Street during market hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Anna Borowiecki

About the Author: Anna Borowiecki

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