The last Cranbrook Farmer's Market of the season was held on Sept. 17 - but fear not, fresh locally-grown produce will return thanks to popular demand on Oct. 8 for a special Thanksgiving market.

The Cranbrook Farmer's Market Society is finishing up its regular summer season, but the work never stops for the many volunteers and board members, as planning has already begun for future markets.

"It was fabulous," Erna Jensen-Shill, market manager for the society, said of the season. A total of 13 markets were held, each averaging about 50 vendors per week.

Jensen-Shill said the weather was kind to the market's vendors and shoppers, however the last market saw some bundled-up attendees.

"The weather was absolutely fantastic for each and every market," she said, adding that the final one was breezy.

A late growing season saw cherries appearing at the market into September, when the normal yield would have been peaches, tomatoes and potatoes. Jensen-Shill said the cwand better as the market finishes its third season in Cranbrook.

"The community support for the market seems to be strong and dare I say growing," Jensen-Shill said, adding that vendors are up as well.

According to Jensen-Shill, many people have been commenting that the market has become a regular part of their week. Others who attend the market for the first time have said they enjoyed the social aspect of the markets.

"It all seems to be heading in the right direction," Jensen-Shill said.

Market-goers made sure to stock up on items on the last day of the regular season, but Jensen-Shill said that popular demand and requests from vendors has convinced the society to add another market sooner than their intended November one.

Because of the late growing season, Jensen-Shill said that many vendors were asking for an October market to sell their root vegetables. The special Thanksgiving market will be held on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rotary Park.

"We're hoping the weather will bless us again," Jensen-Shill said.

Attendees of the Thanksgiving market can expect some familiar vendors selling items such as squash, pumpkins and root vegetables.

A major success during the 2011 market season was the addition of two night markets. Jensen-Shill said the different day of the week allowed people who are busy on weekends to attend the market. The Thanksgiving market will capture that crowd as well, she said.

"It should be really nice."

The October market won't be the last one of the year, either. A winter market will take place on Nov. 25 and 26 during the Santa Claus Parade. Jensen-Shill said the winter event was a huge success last year.

"People were downtown for the Santa parade and they came and checked out the market."

To finish up the season, the vendors, volunteers and board members will gather for a potluck and wrap-up event on Oct. 4. Jensen-Shill said it's a great opportunity for the vendors to finally get to know each other.

"The vendors don't get to actually know each other because they're so busy with the market."

Next year, the society hopes to add more of the popular Wednesday night markets, instead of just two that were held this year. With the season ending, the society and its volunteers get a few days off, and then head right back to planning.

"A few minutes to breathe, and then we're carrying on with our next events and next season," Jensen-Shill said.

Jensen-Shill said the markets could not come together without the many volunteers that help out, and the board members.

"We could not do it without them, for sure."

For more information and photos of the farmer's markets, check out www.cranbrookfarmersmarket.com

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