Fort Macleod - Market on Main

The Market on Main grew out of the passion of local producers to create a food market where like-minded vendors and community members come together and connect. 

In the spring of 2017, the Fort Macleod Community Health Champions, in partnership with local producers, hosted a community conversation about food markets. Forty people attended that conversation to discuss the potential future of an outdoor food market on Main Street. As a result, a small subcommittee of dedicated individuals came together and planned the first year of the market.

During the summer the Market on Main group was able to host 9 outdoor markets in a location just off Main Street. They were very successful at attracting producers and creating an environment where community members wanted to be!

The following year, the group was able to meet its original vision of being on Main Street. They created a fun, inviting market for all members of the community to feel welcome, and purchase local healthy food. In 2018 the market engaged the local businesses and hired a coordinator to help plan and spread the word! They built on the previous year’s success and the market expanded beyond their dreams to include food trucks, activities for kids, live music, more food producers, and many local artisans.

By working together on a common vision, the group was able to create a healthy space for the community to gather on Thursdays during the summer months.

In the fall of 2018, the Market on Main was awarded the “Community Enhancement” award at the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. This Chamber award is presented to a business and/or organization that is truly making a difference in the community. When businesses are invested in the community and see social responsibility as an integral part of its success they become a leader in finding ways of doing good in the community.

Ways to take action: Community Strategies - Mental Health