Artisan soups, fine teas and handcrafted baked treats are among the goods that will be sold at the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market, which opens next week at the Terry Fox Hometown Square.
About 45 vendors, as well as Mayor Brad West and city staff, will be on site for the launch of the market on Thursday, June 6, with cupcakes served at 4 p.m. to celebrate the opening day.
Happening each Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., the PoCo market is one of three operated by the Fraser North Farmers Market Society; its other two are the Haney Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Peace Park (from April to October) and the Pitt Meadows Market on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. at Spirit Square.
Society treasurer Robert Fullerton of Nimble Farms, in Maple Ridge, told the Tri-City News today, May 29, that one-third of this year’s vendors are new to the PoCo market. And he said customers can speak with them directly to learn more about their fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods and other wares.
Farmers market patrons “have an interest in healthy and fresh food,” Fullerton said, “because they find when they go to the grocery store, the food they bring home tastes bad and they don’t know where it comes from.”
In the past, shoppers used to get 35 per cent of their groceries from a locally known source, he said; now, the number is a sobering two per cent.
Fullerton said being a farmer in Metro Vancouver is also challenging with the rises costs, supply chain issues and the unpredictable weather; however, farmers markets not only allow farmers and vendors to connect to the consumer, they also provide a kind of incubator to test out what’s appealing and trending.
In addition, he said, the market is a good place to socialize — especially for seniors — and offers a coupon program for registered individuals and families in need.
“All the cities that we serve recognize the importance of the market,” he said.
For the June 6 kickoff, Sue Breton will entertain while the City of Port Coquitlam will have a booth to talk about recruitment. City staff will be available:
- 3 to 5 p.m., public works department
- 5 to 7 p.m., recreation department
- 3 to 7 p.m., human resources
Job seekers can apply online, and students are encouraged to learn more about the seasonal positions that are open.
The 17th Port Coquitlam Farmers Market runs June 6 to Sept. 26 at the Terry Fox Hometown Square on Kelly Avenue, south of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.).
PoCo market 2023 stats
- 18 market days
- 28,567 total season visits
- 1,500 visits per market day
- $17,346 spent at each market
- $329,572 total seasonal sales
