Emphasis on acquiring food closer to home continues to grow and so do farmers’ markets.
Hanna & Hanna Orchards Farm Market on the Trans-Canada Highway near McDonald’s will be the venue for a new farmers’ market to run Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon beginning May 7.
Hanna & Hanna’s owner Harriet Hanna says a large grassy area near the parking lot will be home to about a dozen vendors who will offer a variety of items.
“The whole point of Saturday’s Farmer’s Market is to provide a venue for farmers who are selling from their home bases but are scattered all over the place,” Hanna says, noting Rob Fensom of Harmonious Homestead and Ewe spearheaded the plan and that Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm is also onboard. “I think it’s a great idea, a great way for people to find local producers in one place.”
Fensom says the main criteria is participants have to be bonafide farmers within city limits.
“We’re trying to promote Salmon Arm agriculture,” he says, noting there will be meat, milk, eggs, cheese, fruits, berries, honey, fibre such as wool, and probably cut flowers later on – but no crafts. “Two-thirds of the land within city limits is in the ALR and that’s why we’re trying to showcase it.”
Meanwhile, the Shuswap Farm and Craft Market celebrates its spring opening in its new location at 5th and 5th on Friday, April 29.
A pro D day, this will be a family event featuring a children’s bike and trike contest with prizes at 11 a.m. All adults are encouraged to arrive by bicycle and to promote green transportation.
Cyclists’ names will be entered into a draw for Market Dollars and The Heart Of the Market Community Centre will host Rotary and their fundraiser for the new playground at Blackburn Park
The event will also feature an Elvis impersonator, 4H animals, an inflatable bouncy castle and more. There’ll also be wagon rides for a donation to Relay for Life, and entertainment by the Pink Violins.