The Kimberley Farmers’ Market is another event that has been a success since inception. Operating every Thursday afternoon on Howard Street, from 5 to 7 p.m., the market has become a community gathering place, says Linda McVetty has stepped in as the new Kimberley Farmers’ Market Coordinator as Erna Jensen embarks on a new business venture.
“The market is in its third year, and has been fully embraced by the Kimberley community,” McVetty said. “Like many Kimberley residents Thursdays have become my favourite day in Kimberley. Catching up with friends and neighbours at the market, meeting new people, shopping for fresh local food and locally made crafts. The market has really added to the sense of community in our town.”
This Thursday is the first market of the season, which runs through to September 8.
Fifty-three vendors registered so far, McVetty says, with over 30 confirmed for the first market.
“The market will feature a rotating line up of vendors, offering a broad selection of the Kootenays best fresh picked fruits and vegetables, free range eggs, grass fed meat, handcrafted spirits, sourdough bread and honey, handcrafted art, jewelry, body care products, fresh baked goods and ready to eat food.
“Two Kimberley urban gardeners even grow enough produce to feed their families and participate as full season vendors,” she said.
There are 17 new vendors this year selling handmade quilts, cold pressed soap, wine, glitter tattoos, shade sails, fibre artwork, pottery, fresh baking, grass fed meat, juice, custom engraved products, body care products and fruits and vegetables
“Wildsight is pleased to announce that we will be participating in the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, Farmers’ Market Nutrition coupon program,” McVetty said. “This program was created in 2012 to give lower income expectant mothers, young families and seniors access to fresh nutritious food from their local farmers’ markets.”
“We are very excited to be offering this program and it had been a personal goal of mine to bring it to the Kimberley Farmers’ Market,” said Andrea Chapman, manager of Kimberley/Cranbrook Wildsight.
“Making the market accessible to everyone has the potential to really heighten the pride and purpose of this weekly ritual in our community.”
Please keep in mind that Howard Street will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 3 p.m. each Thursday.
The Wildsight Kimberley Farmers’ Market is thankful to its sponsors, The City of Kimberley, and all of the vendors and customers for making the market such a success and fresh local food and products available to everyone.
Don’t want to miss out when produce comes into harvest? Join the Kimberley Farmers Market Facebook page
For more information please contact the market coordinator, Linda McVetty at 250-427-2535 x 224 or at kimberleyfarmersmarket@wildsight.ca
If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the market, please visit www.kimberleyfarmersmarket.ca