Vancouver Farmers’ Market season opens May 11
Photo source: Eatlocal.org
Like a Whitecaps Southsider at the beginning of the Major League Soccer season, I count down the days until the summer Vancouver Farmers Markets open. While soccer friends herald the return of the Mattocks, DeWit or Camilo each March, I cheer for the return of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Empire Valley Beef and Cropthorne Farms each May.
My ‘season’ starts with Trout Lake and Kitsilano Markets opening on May 11 and 12 respectively. Later, in June the West End (June 1), Main Street Station (June 5), and Kerrisdale (June 15) markets all commence to provide Vancouverites and visitors alike with delicious local eats, live music and handcrafted goodies like ceramics and jewelry.
Breakfast lovers, coffee devotees and food truck followers all have a place at the farmers markets, too. Besides the regulars like La Boheme Creperie, The Bean Buggy and Vij’s Railway Express, new mobile eateries will be added to the repertoire this year.
Between my missions for creamy goat brie and crinkly heirloom tomatoes this summer, I’ll be checking out the various market events. Not only will the summer farmers markets contribute to our community’s pantry but also to our community itself with family, gardening and foodie-focused happenings.
What’s up at your neighborhood farmers market this season? Take a sneak peak after the jump.
New food trucks! During February’s Food Truck Festival, attendees voted for their favourite trucks. As a result JJ’s Trucketeria, Yolks Breakfast and Feastro will be rotating through markets.
Gardeners of the world unite. Prepare for the upcoming growing season at the Trout Lake Farmers Market, May 25, with demos and displays on composting, heirloom seeds, garden planning and community gardens around Vancouver.
Berry berry good. On July 17, the Main Street Station Farmers Market team will host a berry pie competition, share tips on preserving/cooking the Lower Mainland’s bounty of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and more.
Family picnicking good times. The Kitsilano market will co-host a Picnic in the Park August 11 with Kitsilano Community Centre. The picnic will include rides, games, music, not to mention pretty tasty fresh food too.
Gourds, apples, pears, oh my! On October 19, learn about the best way to prepare apples, squash and pears at the West End market with recipes and demonstrations.
Out with the old (cookbook) and in with the new. In June, July and August the Trout Lake Farmers Market recipe book swaps are back due to overwhelming success last year. Swap your rarely used tomes for something brand-new secondhand.
To see the full Vancouver Farmers Market summer season schedule go here.
What’s your favourite Vancouver Farmers Market vendor? Do you have a market ritual? Share you thoughts in the comments section below.
Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2013/05/10/vancouver-farmers-market-season-opens-may-11/
