The fire that destroyed the Symons Valley Ranch Farmers Market in the early hours of January 26 also devastated vendors that rely on the market for income.

Dawn Buschert, owner of Shirley's Greenhouse near Didsbury, said they will suffer significant losses, as the Symons Valley market was a significant part of their business.

"Fifty percent of our farm's sales are run through that farmers market, so that's where we sell our vegetables."

Shirley's Greenhouse also sells vegetables from other farms, and Buschert said they've had to tell those farmers that they won't be able to sell their produce.

Buschert said that they are lucky that they have other markets to sell at. Others aren't so lucky.

"Some of the other vendors, it's their sole source of income. This is how they provide for their life, so it's devastating for all of the vendors."

Buschert said that the best way to support the suffering vendors is to look them up on Facebook or their websites, and keep buying from them.

"That's what I think I'd encourage people to do if they want to help these small businesses, is just look up your favourite small business that was at the market. Look us up and see where else you can find us this weekend in other locations."

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com