Spring has arrived and with it the 21st annual Comox Valley Farmers Market moves outdoors this Saturday at the usual spot on Headquarters Road.
After a huge success at the Native Sons Hall this winter, the market moves back outdoors for the season — same time 9 till noon this weekend.
Expect the same quality and selection of products this spring as well as some new surprises that are in store for visitors.
The market is excited to welcome new additions including Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt, Legato Gelato (goats milk gelato), Clever Crow locally harvested sea salt and spice mixes, and Sativa Edibles with their raw-based healthy snacks.
Some of the 'old' favourites have added new products as well, Twigs — known for her fabulous breads — is working her way back to her roots as a floral designer with hand tied flower arrangements.
Ironwood Farm has added some lovely preserves and breads from their new wood fired oven to their mix of organic veggies and fruit. A couple of new farms are joining us this year Amara Farm and Ripple Farm have teamed up to become Merville Organics, and Sativa Edibles is looking forward to her first season as a hemp farmer.
Many of the 'old' favourites will be back, too, to bring you the freshest, tastiest fruits and veggies, meat, poultry and seafood, a lovely assortment of baked goods, as well as take home meals and prepared foods.
Moving outdoors brings on the excitement of the growing season with starters for your home garden to inspire your inner farmer. It also brings the invitation to sit in the sun and enjoy the multitude of talented local musicians who entertain the crowds each week.
“It’s so nice to see all the smiling faces in the warm spring sunshine as families shop for local bounty,” says market manager Vickey Brown. “Sitting on a straw bale with a scone and expresso listening to live music on a Saturday morning. Not your typical grocery shopping experience!”
With over 40 vendors contributing to the market this Saturday the selection and variety of products available promises to further ignite that spring energy everyone is feeling.
Ambience aside, the practical reality of fresh veggies, eggs, lamb, beef and chicken from the farmer to your table is a treat those in the Valley are lucky to have.
And it shows, the farmers' market has grown to be a ritual for many shoppers over the past decades; some arriving early to scope the new veggies and waiting for the morning bell to ring to start the market day, or running in at 11:45 to get the essentials before the market wraps up.
Farmers markets were initiated to create direct relationships between consumers and producers to support farmers by removing the 'middle man' so that the producer is enjoying full proceeds of their hard work and investment.
They showcase the best the Valley has to offer from farmers' fields to your table. But everyone benefits when farmers are encouraged to grow.
To get the latest news on what's new at the market find them on Facebook. If you are interested in joining the team as a volunteer, contact manager Vickey Brown at the market or e-mail marketmanager@comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com.
— Comox Valley Farmers' Market