Downpour-style rainfall on June 27 ended up sidelining what was supposed to be the kickoff to the 2024 Marketplace on Main season.

The decision to pull the plug on the market wasn’t an easy one, says Jeff Hartling, economic development officer for the Town of Rocky Mountain House.

“We saw those storm clouds around 3:30 p.m., it was not looking pretty, it was a tough decision to pull the plug that day,” says Hartling. “And it poured.”

It’s a tough call to make, says Hartling, especially since around 50 vendors put in a lot of work to be present at the market’s kickoff.

While still keeping a close eye on the weather, Hartling is optimistic that the market can commence on July 4.

The market, now in its 12th year, takes up the top three blocks of Rocky’s Main St. core every Thursday.

The market runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., however, Town officials say traffic detours begin in the area around 4:30 p.m.

Hartling says vendor applications can be found at the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre guest services desk, or on the Town’s website.

Along with a large number of vendors selling produce and homemade goods, Hartling says there are other draws for locals and tourists alike.

“We have a number of mobile food vendors, we have local live entertainment on the main stage, it’s always a lot of fun and very engaging,” says Hartling.

Other musical performances also happen around the market, says Hartling, which are occasionally spontaneous.

“They don’t check in with me, they just show up with their guitar,” says Hartling. “We do have other organized entertainment.”

On a typical nice day, many hundreds of people converge on Main Street, says Hartling, with occasionally close to 2,000 attendees.

While there’s typically a large amount of vehicle traffic on market days, Town officials say plenty of parking is available in other areas around the downtown core.

The final market of the season is August 29.

(Photo by Town of Rocky Mountain House)