The Desnedé Farmers’ Market in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, has launched its 2026 recruitment drive and is inviting local growers, bakers and makers — plus community volunteers — to join the summer season. Organizers began outreach in late January 2026 to help residents plan gardens and home businesses ahead of the market’s usual summer run.
The market is seeking vendors who grow vegetables, bake goods or make handmade products. Community volunteers are also needed to greet visitors, help count attendance and staff the market table — a role that in past seasons has included selling small producers’ items on their behalf.
The market has been held at a few Fort Smith venues over the years, including Mission Park (by the Long Warehouse), the Centennial Arena grounds and the Community and Recreation Centre. Seasons have varied by year; many past seasons have run mid-summer through September, and some seasons used a Sunday 1:00–4:00 p.m. slot while others have used a Saturday time. The board has not published final 2026 dates and weekly hours as of late January 2026, and will confirm the specific schedule and site closer to the season.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (Industry, Tourism and Investment) and NWT Arts have in past years supported the market by sponsoring artist tables and promoting local artists and makers. The market board has also emphasized waste reduction, adopting measures to reduce single-use plastics and other disposable packaging.
Interested residents who want to apply to be a vendor or volunteer can find application details on the market’s official website (desnedefarmersmarket.com) or contact the board by email (dfm.membership@gmail.com) or via the market’s social channels. Organizers have indicated recruitment will run through April 2026.
