Many activities are happening this season at Powell River’s Open Air Market. The season kicked off in April, and despite all the rainy weather, it has been a busy place for shoppers and vendors alike. People are well into planting season now and bedding plants at the market have been flying off the shelves.
There is a wide variety of lush, healthy starts available through the market, everything from tomato plants, lettuce, cucumber, broccoli and other veggies, to raspberries, strawberries and much more, all from local, organic growers.
Buying directly from farmers gives shoppers the opportunity to ask questions and benefit from the experience of others. Knowledge is a valuable commodity, and many gardeners are more than willing to share what they have learned through their own years of trial and error. The market is a friendly, social place where consumers and farmers can come together in a mutually rewarding exchange.
Bedding plants, fresh produce, eggs, meat, seafood, country baking, honey, teas, soaps, woodcrafts, knits, hot food, pony rides, an open-mic stage, and more, are also at the market. A visit to the market makes a great family outing.
The market will host a number of special events this month. On Sunday, June 12, will be the second monthly “Kid’s Market Day,” where children (up to age 18) are invited to bring a blanket to display items they would like to sell or trade at the market. Children may bring books, toys, games, arts and crafts, collector cards and more, but no food items. This event happens on the second Sunday of each month all season long (rain date is always the following Sunday). The market will also be celebrating Father’s Day the following weekend on Sunday, June 19. There will be free saplings for all dads at the market that day. What better way to commemorate dad than to plant a tree in his honour?
The farmers’ market takes place from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays and 12:30 to 2:30 pm on Sundays at Powell River’s Exhibition Grounds in Paradise Valley; follow the signs up Duncan Street past the airport.
For more information about the market, readers can contact Jesse Black, market coordinator, at jesseblack@gmail.com or phone 604.344.0021. The market welcomes new vendors to apply, and is always looking for new musicians to play on the open-mic stage.
