Youngsters learn business skills at farmers market

By Florence Kalia Times Contributor

Young people in Strathmore can be found doing creative business at the Strathmore Farmers Market.
These junior vendors are under the age of 18 who get to experience their community from a business perspective. They learn customer service skills as well as how to keep a positive attitude during the three-and-a-half-hour market.
One young person involved in the Strathmore Farmers Market this year is Katherine Gartner, aged 13. In her second year at the market, she sells homemade beaded charms, bracelets and animals.
“I like how everyone comes out and usually it is a lot of people who do. People come out even if it is hot or cold,” said Gartner. “I liked the experience of just being part of the market. You have to work with the people and put them first and sell things that people want. You get to learn and see what the people go to and that tells you what they want.”
Gartner is also part of the local air cadets squadron. She enjoys arts and crafts, woodworking and range shooting.
Another junior vendor in the farmers market is Florence Kalia, aged 14. This is her first year at the market.
“I enjoy the farmers market because I get to see and interact with many of the local people,” she noted. “I also get a chance to learn and grow as a vendor. It is great to see a lot of people come out and look at all of my items and other people’s local products.”
Kalia currently sells duct tape rose pens, earrings, bracelets, bow ties and loom bracelets. Her hobbies are writing, playing badminton, basketball and participating in biathlon. Florence is also part of the local air cadets squadron.
The Strathmore Farmers Market is a popular place for local shopping. There is a great variety of homemade items, ranging from jewelry and household necessities to fruits and baked goods. It is held every Friday during the summer from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
This past Friday, Sept. 20 was the final regular farmers market at Kinsmen Park. The annual fall fair market will be held Oct. 5 at the Strathmore Civic Centre and the annual Christmas market will be held Nov. 30, also at the Civic Centre.