Farm fresh eggs, produce and vegetables are once again coming to the streets of 100 Mile House.
The South Cariboo Farmers’ Market will be holding their grand opening this Friday, May 12.
The market starts at 9 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m. with live music, face painting and free beef on a bun offered from 11 a.m. until supplies run out.
This year will be the 32nd annual Farmers’ Market in 100 Mile House and president Tina Johnson and her board have been working for months to make sure the market is a success.
“It’s the community, it’s the experience when you come. Lots of people meet up with friends,” she says. “It’s a wonderful atmosphere, so when you are there you feel connected to your community. I think that’s what is unique.”
The market has expanded to the inside of the 100 Mile Community Hall for 2017, as well as filling the street outside on Birch and 3rd Ave.
The fair will feature 11 new vendors this year, with a total of 40 vendors set to come for the opening day. Johnson says they are always on the lookout to welcome new vendors throughout the summer.
“We certainly will take whoever. The more the merrier,” she says.
Johnson hopes people will come out to support local farmers.
“The main purpose of the Farmers’ Market is to bring together local agricultural producers and consumers. What we are trying to do is support our local farmers so there is going to be lots produce,” says.
“It is just trying to keep the local economy going and that’s the important part about the Farmers’ Market.”
Johnson says she hopes they’ve also made a difference to local artisans.
“We have a lot of artisans and this is where they start out. Hopefully, we are an incubator for some small businesses so they move on from the Farmers’ Market and start their own businesses.”
Out of the ordinary this year, the market will host an additional Canada Celebration Market on July 1, with a group from the Lake of the Trees Bible Camp planning a carnival for children.
For more information on the Farmers’ Market or to apply as a vendor, check out their new website at www.southcariboofarmersmarket.org.
The South Cariboo Farmers’ Market will run every Friday, from May 12 until Sept. 29.
