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This article was published 24/6/2016 (1549 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local duo is bringing a new kind of farmers market to Winnipeg.

David Pensato and Tom Janzen are the masterminds behind Alleyways Market, an outdoor emporium that’s taking Manitoba’s beloved tradition of farmers markets and giving it an urban spin. The first round of the event will debut tonight from 4 to 10 p.m. in the alleyway behind U.N. Luggage and Forth on the 100 block of McDermot Street.

It’s the first of four Alleyways events to be held this season, all in different back lanes throughout the Exchange, striving to bring something different to the table.

"There’s lots of farmers markets that are running throughout the city, (but) we’re trying to do something that’s distinctly fits the character of the Exchange District," said Janzen. "The time of the event is unique, and the fact that we’re doing it in back lanes — it kind of feeds off the character of the area."

The event will feature local or regionally produced food — including from Forth itself, the Mitchell Block, Watersong Farms and more — as well as Winnipeg- or Manitoba-based makers selling goods running the gamut from jewelry to art to candles and clothes.

Janzen said the back-alley location was a deliberate move to bring light and life to oft-forgotten areas.

"We just thought (back alleys) were interesting, underutilized spaces," he said.

While Manitoba has no shortage of farmers markets, most don’t make their way to Winnipeg’s core. Janzen said that was all the more reason to get in there.

"There’s a few different reasons why we’ve done this," he explained. "One of them is the perennial issue of a lack of access to fresh food in the downtown. The Exchange District is a growing neighbourhood, and we thought this, in a small way, could kind of test the idea or test the demand for fresh food in the Exchange."

Combine that with the high foot traffic brought in by the summer festival season, and Janzen said it seemed ideal.

The Exchange District BIZ supports the venture.

"A unique event like this really serves the community in a positive way," said Brian Timmerman, executive director of the Exchange District BIZ, in a release. "We are thrilled to support an event that provides people with a really fun environment in addition to supporting local businesses, farmers and makers in the Exchange."

aidan.geary@freepress.mb.ca