Get your cloth bags and bring the dog to the opening day of the Coquitlam Farmers Market on Sunday (May 7).
Held in the parking lot of Dogwood Pavilion, 1655 Winslow Ave., the market is a weekly event, offering a variety of fresh and seasonal produce from local farms, as well as unique and handcrafted items from talented artisans.
There will also be a variety of prepared foods available, including hot and savoury dishes, sweet treats, specialty sauces, condiments, baked goods and desserts.
This is the 26th year of the Coquitlam Farmers Market that runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through October.
"We are thrilled to be opening the Coquitlam Farmers Market for another season," said executive director Tabitha McLoughlin.
"Our vendors are passionate about providing the freshest, highest quality products to our community, and we are excited to welcome new vendors to our market this year. We can't wait to see our regular customers and meet new ones."
The market will also be hosting workshops and demonstrations throughout the season, giving visitors the opportunity to learn new skills and connect with their community.
Among the learning opportunities will be a series of demonstrations, featuring monthly hands-on cooking and gardening workshops that will answer questions and inspire new ideas. Upcoming workshops include:
- May 28: Hanging Basket Workshop
- June 11: Worm Composting
- June 25: Jam and Jellies Making Workshop
Registration for workshops can be found on Eventbrite.ca and through the www.makebakegrow.com website.
Youth programs offered
The popular youth agricultural program, the Power of Produce Club, will be back again for the full season.
This hands-on activity based program will give school-aged kids the opportunity to grow their own food, learn some easy cooking techniques and about the local food system. There will be taste-testing activities, scavenger hunts, demonstrations and prizes.
“We are really excited about implementing this program at the farmers market this year,” said Laura Thomas, POP Club manger.
“Youth are the next generation of shoppers and consumers, this program is providing them with educational and learning opportunities that will benefit them and the community into the future. It’s a really fun and empowering way to engage with kids at the market.”
Parking for the Coquitlam Farmers Market is available across the street in the Centennial Secondary School parking lot.
