Whether it’s the farmers’ market, disc golf, camping, hiking or growing vegetables, Wakamow Valley is a busy place that continues to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.

The farmers’ market — now in its second year — has been relatively well-attended since it opened on May 28, although there are slightly fewer vendors than last year, said Todd Johnson, general manager of Wakamow Valley Authority (WVA). 

Last year 45 vendors plied their wares on Saturdays, but this year that number is hovering around 40. Meanwhile, about 1,500 people showed up during the first few shows this year, but that weekly number now sits around 900.

“I think it’s fantastic (that attendance). For a fundraiser for us, it’s really good,” Johnson said, “but being able to support 40-odd entrepreneurs and have them show what they’re doing in the valley and getting people to use the facilities down here (is also important) … .”

The farmers’ market is in a great venue — the Oval — that allows vendors to park behind their table and load and unload without much trouble, he continued. Meanwhile, the cost to participate and flexibility in attending are also selling points for vendors.

“Nine hundred people on a Saturday in one spot is pretty tough to beat if you’re trying to be an entrepreneur and sell your product,” added Johnson. 

After planting numerous vegetables this spring, the WVA is preparing to harvest the first batch of produce from its Mosaic Food Farm and distribute that cornucopia to Hunger in Moose Jaw, Riverside Mission and the food bank.

“It’s super lush down there … ,” Johnson said. “That’s going really great.”

WVA has a great gardening team that has installed soaker hoses to ensure no water is wasted, which is one reason there could be a large yield this year, he continued. Last year the garden produced 8,100 kilograms (18,000 pounds) of produce, but that number could fall slightly this year because of the recent heatwave. 

The weather was disappointing initially because there was frost in May that killed 300 plants, most of which WVA staff had started growing inside, added Johnson. Staff then bought vegetable plants from greenhouses to make up the shortfall, while the weather has since co-operated.

Wakamow Valley has an 18-hole disc golf course that attracts people regularly to the park. However, construction this summer on the Wellesely Park Lift Station eliminated two holes from play. Yet, the valley authority hopes those holes are restored in the fall once the project is completed.

A new addition will be signs showing where each hole is, which Johnson thought was exciting. QR codes could be added to allow players to download the map to their phones.

“I know that disc golf is heavily used. We don’t have counters over there, but we can tell by the people calling us and new people starting. It’s a fantastic sport,” he said, pointing out that besides disc golf, other attractive features of the park include scenic views, the river, the paths, and the animals.  

Disc golf draws people because participants can play without requiring a reservation, can shoot nine holes and quit, can easily find willing players online, and is enjoyable for families, Johnson added.

With pandemic restrictions removed, tourists from across the country have been eager to explore Canada, including Moose Jaw. 

At the newly named Lorne Calvert Campground, WVA has seen an increase in campers compared to 2021. In May, it saw almost 180 more visitors than last year, while in June, it saw nearly 300 more campers compared to 2021. 

“It’s fantastic for us. We’re a non-profit that has to self-generate revenue. So this is one of the businesses we operate besides hall rentals, which have seen an increase (as well)” because of weddings, reunions, funerals and wakes, Johnson said.

Johnson added that if people are stressed, they should come to the park, kick off their shoes, and lay on the grass to decompress.