The Kimberley Farmers’ Market is back for the fifth year this week, with many new vendors and resident favourites.
Market Manager Erna Jenson says that Wildsight is excited to kick of their fifth year of the market. On Thursday, June 21, the market will begin at 5p.m. on Howard Street. Mayor Don McCormick will be present, along with Cailey Chase of Vahana Nature Rehabilitation and a few of her goats.
“This year people will see similar types of vendors to previous years, and something we’re excited about is gaining more market garden growers,” explained Jensen. “[For example], Cope Heritage Farms will be a new addition to the market. We’re starting to see a real uptake in these types of vendors. It’s different from when we started; the interest from vendors is off the charts and we have a great reputation for helping them become successful.”
Jensen says market-goers can expect to see fresh vegetables and produce at this week’s market, including fresh strawberries and a new sourdough bread vendor.
“The line-ups for sourdough bread are always crazy, so we’ve added a second sourdough vendor to help disperse those lines,” said Jensen.
She added that there will be more ready to eat food such as Simmer Foods from the Bull River area, who will be offering “super tasty” food from their food forest, along with Meat Matters, who will be offering fresh, locally sourced sausage on a bun.
“There will be more of a variety of ready to eat, yummy street food, so people can come hungry and leave with happy bellies,” Jensen said.
In terms of artisans, there will be some fresh new faces as well as local favourites; this Thursday will see over 40 vendors.
The hours for the market all summer long remain the same: 5p.m. to 7:30p.m. on Thursday evenings. Wildsight has added a few more markets however, after local growers requested a longer market season in order to continue to sell fresh produce.
“We will now go from Summer Solstice to the Fall Equinox,” Jensen explained. “It’s a full 14 weeks this year, and it’s been asked for by growers and customers. I think Thursday nights work really well for our community. The street is hopping, the restaurants are packed, it’s a magical time. Everyone can get their produce to prepare for the weekend.”
Jensen says that the market provides an opportunity for both budding and successful businesses to connect with their customers.
“The market is like an incubator for vendors to grow. It can help get them launched and recognized, as well as allow them to connect with their customers,” said Jensen. “We’re also getting to the point where some vendors who started out at the market have become large companies selling their products region and province wide. It’s very exciting and it’s truly a special place.”
The Kimberley Farmers’ Market is also part of a coupon program that provides funding for families to purchase fresh produce, meats, and eggs. This year the program has expanded to not only include more families, but also to provide additional funding of $21 instead of the former $15.
Related: Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program gets $100,000 boost
Last but not least, Jensen says the market wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of some hard-working volunteers.
“We have an amazing and dedicated volunteer and support team for the market,” said Jensen. “They are out there behind the scenes every week. They help to make the market successful and get the word out.”
If you want to volunteer, sign up as a vendor, or find out more information contact Jensen at kimberleyfarmersmarket@wildsight.ca, or 250.427.2535.
