What's So Special About That Highlands Market?

If you haven't heard of The Highlands Outdoor Farmers' Market we're here to tell you that it is something special.  In the word's of our Apple Box Boutique founder (Leanne), this is why...

The weather yesterday started out cool and wet and not at all inviting.  The people who regularly visit the Highlands Outdoor Farmers' Market come rain or shine, but as the day went on the clouds rolled away and that big blue Alberta sky made an appearance.  It is a moment that always makes me feel like throwing my arms out and spinning around.  It is breathing space, and when the tables went up and those incredible goods were laid out for market-goers, it felt just right to know it was all fresh, all artisan, all handcrafted, and all worth the trip.

While there may not be dozens of vendors, those who sell here are some of the best in the city.  It is friendly, and fun, and has a little bit of everything.  But above all it has heart, and last night I was reminded again of why I love it so much.

Amidst the fabric, face painting and farm goods was a young busker.  His name is Clinton Richardson and to say he is good is an understatement.  At a smaller market there may not be as much money in his guitar case at the end of an evening, but Clinton shows up with a quiet, charming smile and entertains shoppers and vendors with his excellent voice and well-honed skills as a musician.   There is always enthusiastic applause and dollars in return for his efforts, but tonight there was a little extra thrown in.  

Toward the end of the evening, Yvette Cioran, the amazing woman who has committed great time, energy and leadership to the Highlands community and who made the Highlands Outdoor Farmer's Market all that it is, took up a loaf of fresh-baked bread and placed it in Clinton's guitar case.  Moments later, vendors one-by-one made their way over, showing their generosity and appreciation with more and more goods, all of us in attendance applauding as they came.

Maybe I am prone to sentimentality, but that touched me.  And I wasn't surprised... it is just one more example of why I love -- why all of us here love -- this market.  It may not be big in size, but it is incredibly huge in heart.

The Highlands Outdoor Farmers' Market takes place every Thursday evening from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at 65th Street and 112th Avenue throughout the summer, rain or shine.

*Learn more about musician Clinton Richardson

♥, 
Apple Box Boutique

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