If you are missing vendors from the summer's Farmers' Market you may be able to find them this weekend.

The Cochrane Christmas Farmers' Market is taking place this weekend at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Cente (SLSFSC) and this year due to many requests is expanding to two days.

Valerie McCracken, Market Organizer, shares the expansion of the recreation centre has enabled her to expand both in time and vendors. "This year we decided to take the leap from a one day market to two days. The new space allows us to add about 20 more vendors, last year we had around 70 vendors so this year you're going to see just over 90."

Trying to find new vendors was no problem for the well-established market. "We've always had to turn away vendors, we're still turning them away, but not quite as many. We're excited about the diversity of vendors that we are able to include."

While Cochrane has seen many Christmas markets hosted throughout town, the difference with the Christmas Farmers' Market is keeping true to the summer market's mandate of items being made, baked or grown. "Unlike a lot of the Christmas markets which can be about crafts, this is truly a farmers' market. We are going to have our farmers with their proteins, preserves, canning all the things you would see at the summer market but with the twist of what people would be looking for at Christmas. We have 38 vendors that will be selling food of some sort so a great variety of food. You can literally order your turkey and buy all you need for entertaining over the holidays."

A change in provincial legislation, allows Alberta Approved Farmers' Markets to add in breweries and distilleries as vendors. "So what is great is you can get that gift basket of craft beer, fruit wine...so we'll have five vendors that will be selling Alberta made liquors and beers, some things you will only find at the Cochrane Christmas Farmers' Market. So that is a nice addition to our line up this year to add in Krang Distillery and Half Hitch Brewery."

Besides having a varied selection of goods, 20 vendors are completely brand new to the Farmers' Market, and 1/3 are local to Cochrane. "We really try to include as many of our make, bake, and grow vendors as we can. It's going to be a great lineup."

McCracken is not worried about numbers, the Christmas Market has been around for 7 years, has a great reputation and is well known for its consistency of products. "I think that goes a long way for people putting ours on the calendar. We use the tag 'you can find it all' because you can literally come and do your gift shopping, food shopping, the bottle of wine, the basket to put it in and go home."

Market hours for both days are 10 am to 4 pm. While entry is free, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item for the Cochrane Activettes 'Share Your Christmas Campaign'.

If you would like to know which vendors will be set up you can find it here.