Farmer’s markets in regions that have four seasons are, as you’d expect, different in character than those you find in tropical climates. \u00a0Harvest is seasonal, so the best times to visit them is during the summer and early fall. \u00a0Many Farmers’ markets in North America are only open during the summer months, shuttering for the winter.\u00a0 But not so for the larger markets in big cities.<\/p>\n

Those markets that are open all year round need to adapt to the changes in the season. \u00a0Most will be in an enclosed building which can be heated when needed (and which keeps you dry and cool in the summer, too). \u00a0The local produce in the winter season is much more limited and includes produce and vegetables that stores well (eg. apples, potatoes, onions) or come from local greenhouses (peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms). \u00a0But even on a cold winter day people like to go to the markets for great fresh meat and sausages, cheeses, and generally a large food court.\u00a0 And, of course, an assortment of imported fresh fruits and vegetables are also available, but not the reason most people visit Farmer’s Markets.\u00a0 Food courts in markets, in my experience, tend to be unusually good as they are an important crowd draw.<\/p>\n

I visit the Farmer’s market near my home in Calgary every few weeks and this past summer showed up with my camera.\u00a0 It was a good time to take photos as fresh crops were being harvested from the prairies and lots of fresh fruit was making its way to market from nearby British Columbia (well known for its fruit and wine). \u00a0 I thought I’d share that experience with you in this photo essay on what is a cool winter day on the Canadian prairies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t