On Thursday, June 19 the Kimberley Farmers' Market returns to Howard Street for their eleventh season.
The market runs every Thursday from 5-7 p.m., welcoming vendors, artisans, food trucks and much more to a newly expanded 15-kilometre radius of the market grounds.
"This exciting change expands access to locally made, baked, or grown goods and offers new opportunities for nearby businesses to get involved," a Wildsight spokesperson said in a release. "A summer staple in the community, the Market continues to support local growers, artisans, and small businesses while creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere downtown."
The local market is a part of the BC Farmers' Market Trail and is recognized as a must-visit destination for food lovers and visitors alike
Also new this year is a seating and social space, created as a means to host casual community activities including craft demos, workshops or informal conversations.
Local businesses and community groups are invited to the space to host donation-based events that could include discussions around sustainability, or artistic workshops such as pot painting. Market organizers are seeking "spirited participation to help shine a spotlight on the region's diverse community and talent."
Returning this year are the free bike valet parking service, Summit Church's kids activity zone, weekly live music from local artists, an E-bike raffle and 50/50 tickets.
This year the Wildsight Kimberley-Cranbrook, who run the market, welcomed new market coordinator Sparta Humphreys. Humphreys has confirmed the return of the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, which helps to increase access to healthy local food for low-income families in Kimberley, as well as seniors, elders and pregnant women.
The market already has 27 vendors confirmed, with the remaining spaces filling quickly.
"For those interested in selling at the popular weekly market, it is a venue for small-scale farmers and specialty food producers, along with other creative makers and artisans to promote and peddle their locally made, baked and grown wares," Wildsight explained. "One-day bookings are welcome, and no upfront commitment is required."
To learn more, contact Sparta Humphreys at kimberleyfarmersmarket@wildsight.ca
