I am starting a new series of blog posts on fun, affordable
and toddler-friendly activities to do with your little ones this summer. Matt
and I decided that this summer we would simplify our lives by ‘staycationing’ and
explore all that Edmonton and area has to offer.
The market is good sized and has excellent variety in
vendors. The produce looks truly beautiful. Many of the growers are familiar to
me since I order most of my produce through the Organic Box, so although we
only came home with a cucumber and some tzatziki (thank you internet dictionary
for helping spell that), I’m confident it all tastes as good as it looks.
Despite the really hot weather today Gemma seemed to have a
good time. She sat happily in her stroller for quite a while, soaking up the
rays (with 60 SPF) and people watching. The vendors were very generous with the
samples -- she enjoyed trying out all the dips, cookies and berries at each
station. I owe thanks to all those samples to keeping her happy in her stroller
for so long. Parents know that food = entertainment, and I was glad she stayed
entertained so I could SHOP.
Some of the particularly child-friendly aspects of the
market are the bouncy castle and the balloon animal station. I gotta admit -- Gemma
didn’t notice either, so we just strolled by, but I bet if we go next year she’ll
be all over that. They also had a few outdoor pianos, one of which is a kids’
piano. Gemma enjoyed watching other kids ‘play’ the piano, but when it was her
turn to tickle the ivories, a little stage fright kicked in. I got one picture
at least!
To me, the most awesome thing is that there is a parking lot
on site! As someone who can hardly park, let alone parallel park, street parking
sends panic through my veins—especially with a toddler potentially crying in
the backseat. It was easy finding a parking spot and I had plenty of room to
comfortably take out the stroller and grab Gemma from the backseat, without
being worried about being side-swiped. I am a tad paranoid.
There are a ton of vendors that specialize in children’s
products, including teething rings, security blankets, taggie blankets,
clothing, tutus, Frozen (the movie) themed apparel, and even baby cocoons. Not
sure what those are for. I almost bought Gemma’s dolly a new wardrobe at the dolly
clothing store— there is truly something for everyone and everything at the St. Albert Market. A fellow
shopper looked at the clothes and said to me, “who’s baby is this small?” haha.
She had no clue.
Some of our favourite food vendors included the popsicle
lady at the far end of the market. Her popsicles are all natural (something
this mama loves) and she even dips them in Lindor chocolate (something else
this mama loves). Gemma has been cutting some teeth like crazy so this was the
perfect treat for a hot teething day. But of course, one treat is never enough.
We caved (I hold Gemma equally responsible) and had 4 bite sized stuffed brownies and blondies. They made this
chocolate-lover’s day. When Gemma is really enjoying something she’s eating,
she stuffs as much of it as she can in her cheeks and kind of just lets it sit
there. She was doing that with these brownies. I had to cut her off so mommy
could get some!
We left the market on a sugar high, which led to the
inevitable afternoon energy crash. I timed this perfectly with nap-time. It’s
4:15 and Gemma is still napping. You see, a hot day at the market is just what
every toddler and mommy needs.
To long summer days and long summer naps,
♥ Dion
For information on all the Edmonton and areas farmer’s
markets, here’s a map courtesy of Made Urban. ♥ Dion
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| Link to full size map |
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