Regina Farmers’ Market hits a yearly high at the end of its 50th season

(Brittany Poitras/CTV News)

The Regina Farmers’ Market closed out its 50th anniversary year with its largest and final market of 2025 at the Real District, bringing in roughly 3,000 local vendors and shoppers.

With 78 vendors present, all of the goods sold at the market were locally sourced and produced in Saskatchewan.

“I see farmer’s markets as an important part of our local food system,” said Holly Laird, executive director of the Regina Farmers Market.

“They support sustainability. They support local farmers, local producers. I really am passionate about local food. So that’s why I got involved. That’s why it’s been a decade for me here.” Laird said.

Founded in 1975, the market has spent five decades connecting local farmers and producers directly with the community in Regina.

Farmer Rick Letwinka has been a vendor at the market for the last two decades selling his organic produce, and says the event was beneficial to him in more ways than one.

“The people need to eat. Everyone’s stocking up for Christmas dinner, so it gives us the opportunity to sell the last of our produce of the season.” he said.

Letwinka has been with the Heliotropic Organic Farm, near Craven for 21 years, and says feeding the community is what brings him to the market each year.

“I basically wouldn’t feel good about not selling organic food. Food should be as clean and healthy as possible, is how I feel. It’s how my conscience feels good.” Letwinka said.

Fellow vendor Angela Appleton, owner of Angela’s Own Homestyle Originals, says the sense of community is what has brought her family back for the last 25 years.

“Our kids were born and raised in the market, and that was really nice. And then the market just started to get a really nice family feel as well. It is very much our market family, “ said Appleton.

Local shopper Erin Weir says attending the market has been a long-time tradition for her as well.

“I’ve lived in Regina pretty much my whole life. And I’ve been coming to the farmer’s market - either inside or outside - for most of that.” said Weir.

The Regina Farmers Market will return in the new year for it’s 51st year of bringing local producers, small businesses and community members together.