Campbell River Farmers Market organizers are looking forward to what they say will be their “best day ever” this weekend.
On May 5 at Spirit Square, the Farmers Market is going to celebrate its opening in a bigger way than ever. We Wai Kum First Nation Hereditary Chief James Quatell will be welcoming vendors, visitors and organizers to the territory, and he will be joined by the Ligwiltach Elders and Youth Culture Group, which organizers call “an inclusive group that everyone is welcome to join and learn with, who will sing and dance for and with us.”
From there, local musician Doug Folkins will be on stage for the day. Folkins’ music begins at 11 a.m.
Over 35 farmers, food trucks and vendors are registered this year, and about 50 artisans have signed up to sell a variety of essential and beautiful items.
Meat, eggs, juice, produce, sprouts and mushrooms, plant starts and honey as well as wines,ciders and spirits are all available. The Campbell River Art Gallery Art Hive will have their mobile printing press outside, so bring your t-shirts to be printed with an original design by one of the Art Hive members for a nominal fee or buy a new shirt. The Shirts to Bags group will have shopping bags for sale. These are repurposed from clothing to decrease plastic use and they will give a demonstration of how these bags are made.
“We are celebrating reconciliation and inclusion. We are celebrating local food and art. We are celebrating our community and our vibrant downtown,” says Jeff Groat, President of the Campbell River Farmers Market Society.
The event kicks off a summer-long tradition of providing services, goods and relationships to the people of Campbell River. Local businesses are gearing up to open on Sundays for the summer. Free valet bike parking is also scheduled again, provided by the Rivercity Cycle Club.
The Children’s Activity Tent has a coordinator leading the kids’ activities and crafts and local nonprofits will sponsor activities and education throughout the summer.
“The market is a destination…for locals, for tourists and for fun every Sunday from May 5th to September 29,” said Groat.
“We encourage shoppers and visitors to bring their own bags, reusable cups and utensils. Come by bicycle if you can, bring your family and enjoy all the vendors, activities and amenities of the market and downtown Campbell River,” a release from the organizers says. “And watch our Facebook page ‘Campbell River Farmers Market and Arts Faire’ for information about vendors, entertainment and upcoming community events we are partnering with.”
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