This response is to the parent who feels that the farmers’ market is not family friendly. I would have to disagree with her opinion as my family has visited the market for years and has not had a problem. We have to deal with all the same issues: sunburn-prone children, seasonal allergies and severe nut allergies.
I have three small children and two of them are fair skinned. No matter what the situation on a sunny day I cover them up, cover them in sunscreen and use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. We have never burned at an event like the farmers’ market. It is up to me as a parent to make sure my kids are protected and safe from the sun. It is not the responsibility of event co-ordinators.
I have had severe allergies since I was young, and at a small age I knew to not take food without asking what was in it. Nuts are the worst for me as they could cause an anaphylactic reaction if I ingest them or something that has come in contact with them. I do not want an event declared nut free as that could be more dangerous to all with allergies. People will become complacent as they assume everything is safe to eat when in fact it is not.
My advice to that parent, so they can enjoy a Saturday at our fabulous market, is to take a few extra steps before you leave the house. Cover your child up, there is lots of great light-weight 100 per cent sun-blocking shirts out there. Teach your child to not take any food without asking. If your child is too young to understand then they are probably small enough to sit in a stroller. The stroller would give them a great place to sit in shade and you can buckle them in and they can only reach the foods that you hand to them. Bring your own snacks that are nut free so your child doesn’t feel left out. There is also some great child safe outdoor allergy medications from the pharmacy and natural health food stores that will make the outdoors fun again for your child.
My family enjoys the outdoor farmers’ market and I would want the co-ordinators to spend their efforts on making the event fun. I will continue to make sure my family is prepared for the weather conditions and other situations that need special care.
Trina Boyd, St. Albert
