Bring on the green: farmers’ markets in the region set to sprout
By Nelson Daily Editor
The Cottonwood Market and other regional farmers’ market are coming out of hibernation.
Over the next several months, farmers’ markets across the West and East Kootenay head outdoors to enjoy warmer spring weather and welcome hungry shoppers back to their stalls.
Farmers are among some of the region’s most knowledgeable food and culinary experts. Visiting a farmers’ market is an opportunity for people to meet those who grow their food.
People can ask farmers questions, learn new recipes, and give growers direct feedback about the food they enjoy.
More than 10 markets in the region and 125 markets total markets exist across the province, connecting people with farmers and food producers.
Quick facts
• The number of farmers’ markets in B.C. has tripled over the last decade.
• Farmers’ markets contribute at least $118 million a year to B.C.’s economy.
• B.C. is home to Canada’s most diverse agriculture sector. Our farmers produce more than 225 different food commodities.
• Buying local supports a family. Nine in ten B.C. farms are family-owned and operated.
Nelson: Cottonwood Falls Market and Wednesday Market
The Cottonwood Falls Market is located next to the Japanese garden, and you’ll be sure to see and hear the rush of Cottonwood Falls.
Passers-by relax on the lush grass beside the creek. The market itself features an array of different vendors and products, and the performances of local musicians.
The market is only a short walk from Baker Street and Nelson’s downtown. The atmosphere is always relaxed and the air always fresh at Cottonwood Falls Market.
Market website: eco.kics.bc.ca/market.html
Hours: Open from May 1 to Oct. 15
Wed 9:30 am to 3 pm (Wednesday Market)
Sat 9:30 am to 3 pm (Cottonwood Falls Market)
# Vendors: 45 (eight selling primary farm product)
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, concession, eggs/milk/cheese, ethnic foods, bodywork/massage, fruits/vegetables/plants, organics, pet items, preserves.
Market coordinator: John Alton, 354-1909, markets@ecosociety.ca
Cranbrook Farmers’ Market
Market website: www.cranbrookfarmersmarket.com
Availability: Open from July 4 to Sept. 5, may go on longer, depending on supply
Sat 9 am to 1 pm
Location: 10th Avenue S. between 1st and 2nd Streets S. – downtown Cranbrook
# Vendors: 25
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, fruits/vegetables/plants.
Creston Valley Farmers’ Market
A dynamic blend of vendors offering fresh quality produce, naturally grown fruits and vegetables and tasty home-baked goods.
Also an exciting array of arts and crafts and unique locally made products. In season fresh cut flowers and delicious grapes and berries.
Enjoy tasty treats and local entertainment, all from the beautiful Creston Valley.
Market website: www.crestonvalleyfarmersmarket.ca
Hours: Open from May 7 to Dec. 17
Wed 3:30 am to 6:30 am (July – September)
Sat 8 am to 12 pm (May – September)
Location: Millennium Park, 16th Ave (Saturdays, May – September) Spirit Square, Canyon St and 11th Ave (Wednesdays, July – September) Morris Flowers and Garden Centre, 1103 Erickson St (Saturdays, October – December)
# Vendors: 35 (18 selling primary farm product)
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, concession, eggs/milk/cheese, variety of unique local products, flowers (cut), fruits/vegetables/plants, meat/fish, organics, preserves.
Market manager: Jen Comer, cvfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Fernie Mountain Market
The Mountain Market in Rotary Park, Fernie BC is booming.
Surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Lizard Range, vendors and market-lovers from the Elk Valley and beyond call Fernie’s Mountain Market the place to be. Experience crafters, weavers, gardeners, farmers, artisans, woodworkers, painters, musicians, bakers, and more.
Market website: www.mountainmarket.ca
Availability: Open from Canada Day to Labour Day Sunday and every Sunday in between.
Sun 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Rotary Park Hwy #3
# Vendors: 40 (four selling primary farm product)
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, candy/nuts, concession, ethnic foods, plants, flowers (cut), fruits/vegetables/plants, meat/fish, organics, pet items, preserves, processed food.
Golden Farmers’ Market
Visitors to the Golden Farmers’ Market will find a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables from several local growers.
Artisans’ wares include pottery, soaps, jewellery, art photography, woodwork and more. Locally produced honey is a popular choice for market-goers. Artisan breads and homemade pies are another favourite.
The smell of hotdogs with fried onions in the air and the sounds of live music all add to the delicious-ness and fun of our Market every Wednesday in the summer. Come visit!
Market website: www.goldenfarmersmarket.com/
Availability: Open from late June to mid-September
Wed 2 pm to 7 pm
Location: Green space adjacent to the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce (downtown) Hwy 95
# Vendors: 12 (three selling primary farm product)
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, concession, fruits/vegetables/plants, preserves.
Market manager: Lee Bedford, 250-344-5678, canyoncreekpottery@persona.ca
Grand Forks Farmer’s Market
Certified organic vegetables, apples, plums, pears, and cherries in season. Local wild huckleberries, jams and jellies and fresh baking are also featured.
Celebrate 2009 Year of Natural fiber with natural wool, mohair, angora bunny, alpaca and linen hand spun yarns, felting and spinning fibers and wearable art from our local fiber farmers.
July 24 is our Year of Natural Fiber Market Day.
Local soap, bath and beauty products and local crafts display the diverse culture of the Koothenay Boundary area.
The market is located in City Park, in the downtown area, just two blocks south of Hwy. 3, near the municipal campground.
Lots of parking, a picnic site, playground and washroom facilities are near the market, Information about local sites, restaurants available at the market or at the Tourist Information centre just 1 block away.
The Grand Forks Art Gallery and the Grand Forks museum are just around the corner from the market.
Availability: Open from May long weekend to Thanksgiving
Tue 8 am to 1 pm
Fri 8 am to 1 pm
Location: City Park in Grand Forks
# Vendors: 20 (15 selling primary farm product)
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, flowers (cut), fruits/vegetables/plants, organics, preserves.
Contact info: Robin Dalziel, 445 9907, joybileefarm@telus.net
New Denver Friday Market
The Friday Market happens in the heart of New Denver every Friday from June to September.
This gem of a market spreads out on the grass amongst fruit trees and flower gardens, beneath shady maples. We feature locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, herbs and perennials.
Artisans from all over the Kootenays come with their wares. These include pottery, fibre art, textiles, T-shirts, jewelry, baskets, stained glass, natural body products and soaps. Delectables include fresh baked bread, homebaking and lunch snacks enhanced with the flavours of local fruit, berries and herbs.
Occasional tunes of fiddle or flute may float over the bustle of the market. This vibrant community event is not to be missed by any traveler seeking to experience Slocan Valley culture.
Availability: Open from June 4 to Sept. 24
Fri 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Downtown New Denver on the corner of 6th Street and Kildare
# Vendors: 35
Market coordinator: Morgen Bardati, ndfridaymarket@gmail.com
Revelstoke Farmers’ Market
Revelstoke’s market is the place to be on Saturday mornings.
Downtown’s Grizzly Plaza, surrounded by heritage buildings interspersed with views of snow covered peaks, comes alive with colourful awnings, crowds of people, and a vibrant market atmosphere.
You’ll find lots of fresh local fruits and vegetables (both conventionally-grown and organic); eggs; local honey; baking; preserves; locally-made crafts; knitting; fresh flowers; unique metal and woodworks; food vendors and much more.
Availability: Open from May 1 to Oct. 23
Also open from Nov 3 – April 13 every second Thursday from 12-5 pm
Sat 8:30am to 1 pm
Location: May – Oct – Grizzly Plaza, Revelstoke Nov – Apr – Revelstoke Community Centre Map
# Vendors: 40
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, ethnic foods, fruits/vegetables/plants, organics, pet items, preserves.
Market manager: Christine Parsons, 814-0214, parsonschristine@yahoo.ca
Rossland Mountain Market
Availability: Open from July 4 to Oct. 31
Sat 9 am to 1 pm
Location: Queen St. and Columbia Ave. – Rossland
# Vendors: 10
Products: arts/crafts, baking, fruits/vegetables/plants.
Contact info: Ami Haworth, 362-7193, rosslandmountainmarket@yahoo.ca
Winlaw Farmers’ Market
Availability: Open from May 31 to Sept. 20
Sun 10 am to 2 pm
Location: HWY 6, Spicer Centre, Winlaw
# Vendors: 17
Products: arts/crafts, baking, bath/beauty, fruits/vegetables/plants.
Contact info: Kim Clark, 226-7862, sweetearth@netidea.com
Source: http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/findamarket.asp
