The Works International Arts Festival. For fun, Kirsta likes to try different restaurants, and enjoys camping. Whenever the opportunity arises, she heads into the country. She visits farms, taking part in various activities like milking cows or helping with the harvest. “It’s goal of mine to visit the various vendors… making sure they are doing what they say they are doing.” Kirsta aspires to open Farm Camp Alberta which would offer day camps for kids to experience farm life. “Kids could learn first-hand from farmers.” Kirsta took a chance when she opened the Grand Market. The vendors took a chance by trusting her. “They are seeing the return… I’m going to make sure the vendors are doing well and the patrons are happy.” So far… so good—grand, actually. √ ~ Rena J Traxel
Grand!
KIRSTA FRANKE Market operator... event coordinator
Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk
K
irsta Franke’s passion for food and sustainability began in childhood. “I grew up with a backyard garden. It felt natural.” Kirsta wanted to bring that home-grown experience to the urban centre where she currently resides. For starters, she founded the 124 Grand Market which brings together local food producers, in an atmosphere of live music, theater and interactive art, Thursday evenings from 4 to 8pm. “We opened May 24th of last year. We had 18 vendors. We have grown to 45 plus vendors this year,” The market now runs the entire block on 108th Avenue at 124th Street, from May 24th to October 3rd. She regularly updates followers on Twitter, promoting the sellers and performers who will be on-site. Moving forward, Krista wants to keep the market concentrated. “We stress quality over quantity. No repetition of vendors.” She explains that this helps to keep the market politics-free. Kirsta is also in the process of organizing a community garden… “hopefully in 2014.” In the meantime, she gardens with her mom outside of the city… and container gardens on her condo balcony in the city. Impressed with Kirsta’s remarkable work with the Grand Market, the 124th Street Business Association offered her a position as Marketing and Events Coordinator last August. It’s one of the most progressive revitalization zones in the city. She writes newsletters, manages social media, and acts as liaison between the Business Association and more than 420 members. She studied journalism at Grant MacEwan University, graduating in 2010. She did her internship with Vue Weekly, and was a contributor to Parlour Magazine for four years until it ceased publication. Kirsta was recently appointed to Edmonton’s new 15-member Food Council. At 25, “I’m the youngest on the board. I’ll be able to bring a youth perspective to the board.” The volunteer position is for a two-year term. She’ll be involved in developing and writing food policy, reviewing bylaws, and making recommendations to City Council about various initiatives, such as rooftop gardens. “Many of the current policies are outdated,” suggests Kirsta.
Last June, Kirsta helped organize the Oliver Community League Festival, sponsored by two neighbourhood churches. “I guess you could call me the project manager.” The event brought together many people and merchants from the 124th Street community, and doubled in size from last year. “It was a lot of fun. I’ll definitely be back next year.” Kirsta started as a volunteer with NEXTFEST in 2008 and now works as Marketing and Events Coordinator, helping more than 500 emerging artists secure venues. For example, “…Theater Network is part of the Grand Market.” In the past year, she acted as the Community Liaison for Slow Food Edmonton. From 2008 to 2012, she was involved in
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EDMONTONIANS FALL 2013