At this bargain hunter’s paradise you have the opportunity to rummage through a maze of antique and collectables kiosks, used-good stores, flea market and arts and crafts vendors, and explore a smorgasbord of tastes in the food court. But that’s not all. The farmer’s market has a fantastic selection of fresh fruit and veggies, you can get a haircut, have your nails done or be entertained by the market jester.

“We’re kind of the whole package here,” says Matthew McDonald, manager of the market. “Kind of like a one-stop shop for everything you need,” he continues.
The star of the market—which will be 20 years old this summer—is undoubtedly the farmer’s market, says McDonald. “Now days people love the experience of meeting the grower,” he says, explaining how many customers forge relationships with the vendors. “People know to come here,” he says. The Crossroads farmer’s market is open Friday to Sunday, 9 to 5, and the flea market is open Saturday and Sunday during the same hours. It is located in Inglewood at 1235 - 26 Avenue S.E., and is open year-round. Visit http://www.crossroadsmarket.ca for more information.

African Art stocks authentic art work from Tanzania and other East African countries. Mansur Fazal, a Tanzanian immigrant, brings in original artwork that he says, “express the real issues of Africa.” His primary feature pieces are by renowned Tanzanian artists Haji Chilonga and Ali Kitogo, and are oil on canvas rendered in cubist and abstract styles. They deal with themes of rural life. One painting entitled “Mama Ntilie,” for example, depicts a grandmother tending to her grandchildren while she cooks on the roadside. Other art items that Fazal carries include carvings, statues and decorations made from Mpingo wood, or “African Ebony.” They range in price from $40 to $80. He also carries colourful Kanga wraps, traditional garb of East African women, each with a traditional Swahili saying, for $15. He has banana fibre art from Uganda, and batik paintings from as little as $20. Another special feature are his Tinga Tinga paintings, canvas painted with enamel that feature village life and “Big 5” Wildlife. The sell for $40 loose, or $60 framed.

There are very few things that you could think of that Chai’s Store doesn’t have—and many things you would never, ever have thought existed. His store has a dazzling display of gifts and collectables, decorations, novelties, ornaments, lighting, furniture, art, china, trinkets and so, so much more. If you’re looking for a really individual twist to your home, set the mood with some of the mind-bending lighting Yao-Shing Chai stocks—plug-in accessories, colourful picture lights, fibre-optic flowers and plasma balls. He also stocks a variety of china sets, priced around $168 for 16 pieces. Be sure to keep a look out for furniture tucked away all over the store—attractive chairs, dining tables and hutches are hidden away under ornaments or in the corners.

For those with alternative tastes, Red Moon is a must stop. “I call it a … curiosity shop,” says owner Jay Macfarlane, describing his wares as medieval and mystical. He stocks gargoyles, chalices, incense, gothic clothing and alchemy jewelry. Very popular, he points out, is his selection of fairy collectables. Although not on display in the stores, Macfarlane is also able to order gothic and medieval furniture, including tables and chairs, lamps, mirrors and more. If you’ve always dreamed of a home with a moat and portcullis, then this is the place for you.

After 50 years in the industry, Bill Shaw of Shaw Pet Homes knows all about your pet’s needs. His store stocks dog and cat supplies, some fish, and along with his son, Shaw also manufactures cat scratching posts. These are extremely popular, and can be picked out as is, or made to custom order—up to as high as six feet tall! Other popular items he carries are crunch tunnels—a steal at $35—and handmade plain or studded leather dog collars. He also stocks a huge selection of toys, snacks and treats, Harley-Davidson apparel and Solid Gold food. If for no other reason, swing by Shaw’s store to see his fresh water stingrays from the Amazon River. For a real spectacle, feeding time is around 11 a.m. on Sundays.

Bow Wow’s Bakery caters to canine and feline taste buds, providing homemade treats for cats and dogs. There is no salt, preservatives or sugar in any of her delectables, assures owner Gayle McCready Ridgeway. The bakery stocks everything from muffins and donuts to all flavours of biscuits, smoked bones and 100 per cent beef chews. Bow Wow’s carries wheat free treats, and is veterinary recommended says McCready Ridgeway. “It’s all made with love!” she adds.

If Stampede lasts year-round for you, swing by Clare Garino Fashions for some authentic Western flavour. The store is mostly clothing—coats, jackets and vests—and Garino happily does custom pieces. If you want to add a splash of yeehawww! to your home, she also makes cushions with native and western prints out of high quality tapestries. They retail for $60.

The idea behind Connie Poor Eagle’s store is to “bring a little bit of native culture to the market,” she says. J.J. Bear Enterprises manufactures moccasin slippers made from split cowhide and rabbit fur, decorated with seed beads. To bring some native culture into the home, Poor Eagle also stocks blankets and reversible throws with native themes, bought in from El Paso.

For the every-room perk that never goes out of style, Flowers by Silks & Stuff has an impressive array of flowers—fresh loose stems or arrangements, and high quality silk. “I’ve got really, really decent prices,” says owner Erik Seelt (like $10 for a dozen roses, or three dozen for $25).

“It makes a difference if people can afford to buy fresh flowers,” says Seelt. For their silk stock, he prides himself on good quality and wide selection. Seelt says they do everything, including trees and large arrangements, and can even do arrangements to colour co-ordination specifics. Bring in a swatch from your décor, he says, and he’ll match it.  For a few weeks from May 7 through to June, Seelt will also do bedding plants.

To support a legacy of good quality product endurance, stop in at MWN Sales to sort through Watkins products. The brand, which has been around since 1868, carries everything from medicated ointments, to spices to cleaning products. “A little bit of everything is the speciality,” says vendor Wes Nelson, assuring the absolute highest quality. “It’s the best that you can buy. They put nothing but the best in their products.” Nelson says spices like cinnamon, vanilla and black pepper are top sellers, and also recommends the Watkins’ detergents which are high quality and environmentally friendly.

The variety of goods at the market is limitless, and everything from bedding, to biker apparel, cleaning agents to bath goodies, cosmetics, ink refills, leather goods, handbags, cosmetics, clothing, accessories, books, DVD and toys can be found. And lots and lots of antiques and collectables. Be sure to set aside enough time to take it all in, and see if there’s a treasure for you!
When you need to take a break from wandering around the stalls get some refreshment at the food court—there truly is something for everyone. From fair fare such as hotdogs, poutine and meat pies, to fish and chips, steak and

breakfast, donairs, Japanese, European deli foods and smoothies— you’ll definitely find something to tantalize your palate.

And a visit to the Crossroads Market simply isn’t complete without stopping by Chongo’s farmer’s market to graze the fantastic selection of fresh fruits and veggies. The deals are fantastic, too—a great place to stock up on fresh produce for the week. Other take-home food stalls offer frozen meals, interesting snacks, honey and cheeses. 

This and that
A sampling of market vendors

Bow Wow’s Bakery Ltd.
Nutritional treats for dogs and cats.
281-8663
www.bowwowsbakery.com

Chai’s Store
Giftware, ornaments, collectables, furniture and lighting.
819-1778
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Clare Garino Fashions
Design and manufacturing of Western jackets, vests, casual shirts and cushions.
275-5721

Flowers by Silks & Stuff
Fresh and silk flowers.
272-3651

J.J. Bear Enterprises
Moccasin slippers and Native- themed blankets.
734-2680
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MWN Sales
Watkins products.
698-1074
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Red Moon
Medieval and mystical giftware, accessories and furniture.
510-3315
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
www.redmooncurios.com