Summer is just around the corner, and with the warmer weather and sunshine comes market season, showcasing the very best in local produce, crafts, food, plants, and much more.
The Cache Creek Market opened for the season on Saturday, May 4 in its new location: beside the Cache Creek Library on Highway 1 (next to the Husky station). The market runs every Saturday through mid-October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features a wide variety of artisans, crafters, and food vendors, as well as secondhand treasures.
Vendors don’t need to book in advance; anyone interested in taking part can simply drop by on the day and set up. The cost is $5 per table; for more information contact market organizer Wendy Coomber at wcoomber@telus.net or visit the Cache Creek Market Facebook page.
The Clinton Sunday Funday Market had its season opening on Sunday, May 5 outside Hunnie’s Mercantile on Cariboo Highway. The market runs for the next 20 weeks, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The market features local food vendors and artisans, secondhand treasures, and more, including delicious barbecued items. For more information visit the Clinton Sunday Market Facebook page.
The Ashcroft Farmers’ Market starts up on Sunday, May 12 and will run every Sunday through mid-October on Railway Avenue at the Heritage Park. The market has new hours this year, and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Ashcroft market is a member of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, and earlier this year received the BCAFM’s Most Outstanding Community Impact (small market) award after just their first year in operation. The market features locally grown, produced, or created fresh and/or prepared food and artisan products, and also has special events taking place throughout the year.
To find out more about being a vendor, or to see how you can help the market by volunteering some time, visit the Ashcroft Farmers’ & Artisans Facebook page or go to the website at https://www.ashcroftfarmersmarket.ca/.
There will also be a Mini Market in Ashcroft each Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Railway Avenue beside the Rolgear building (across from Safety Mart). The market features Heather’s Jams, Wood’n Art, and Wildcraft Nation, and the vendors would be thrilled to see you.
A few things to keep in mind at the market:
- While many vendors are able to accept payment via debit/credit card or e-transfer, that’s not always an option, so have some cash on hand (particularly in small banknotes).
- Don’t forget to bring reusable bags and/or containers for your purchases.
- Please keep dogs on a leash and away from vendors’ stalls (particularly food stalls) as much as possible.
- Children, make sure your parents/caregivers don’t run amok or manhandle the merchandise.
- While it’s lovely to chat with vendors, particularly if you know them, make sure not to monopolize their time if others are waiting.
- For the best selection, arrive early. This is also a good time to chat with vendors.
- Enjoy the many delicious treats, but dispose of your garbage responsibly (or take it away with you). Also, don’t handle food items unless you intend to purchase them.
- If you have a market you particularly love or want people to know about, spread the word and/or bring a friend the next time you go.