The Town of Okotoks is preparing for the upcoming market season.

Buskers Fest, Taste of Okotoks, and Chili Fest draw large crowds each year and the Town is looking for unique local artisans to take part in their vendor markets.

Janette Messer, community programs manager, says they're not wanting a focus on direct sales reps.

"We're really, really, wanting to see local artisans and any of those people who have unique products to sell join us for the summer," she says. "One of the things we're not looking for at the moment is direct sales, for example the Avon, the Tupperware, those kinds of things. We really would like to concentrate on those unique types of products."

Aside from those selling products, Messer says they're also looking for food trucks to join in.

"If there's food truck vendors out there that would also like to join us then they can also register but of course for them they have some additional paperwork they have to complete for Alberta Health Services, all the regular rules and regulations still apply."

The Town is continuing it's focus on supporting local businesses by offering a special registration price for those in Olde Towne Okotoks.

Mark Doherty, community events coordinator, says the deal is to help promote their focus of supporting local.

"There's a group of volunteers that work tirelessly promoting downtown and it's the Olde Towne Merchants Group so if you're a member of that particular group and you want to bring your store front into the market zone there's no charge for that, and again to support the downtown businesses if you're a downtown business but not a member of that group it's only $50."

Doherty says they typically look for about 75 vendors for each market, adding they go on a first come, first served basis.

Those interested in registering for the events' markets can contact the Okotoks Recreation Centre at (403) 938- 8954.

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