The June "Half Dozen" at the Powell River Farmers Market

Each week gets the Powell River Farmers Market one week closer to the official start of summer and that's one of the big things that June will bring us.  Kids will finish school, vacations will start and tourists will flock to Powell River to enjoy our little Pearl and hopefully join us for some exciting times at the Powell River Farmers Market - what better way to spend a few hours than with live music, great food,  fresh bread, pies and baked goods, fresh, local produce, meats and flowers, artisans, and a welcoming community.

Currently our farmers have beautiful, fresh produce with vibrant greens just waiting for your table and spunky reds like the plump, crisp radishes and sweet, juicy, greenhouse strawberries.  The chickens are enjoying the longer days as well and are producing eggs in generous quantities.  We do recommend that you come Saturday for eggs or right at the start of Sunday because eggs are a quick seller every weekend.  Alternately if you can't find eggs on a Sunday at the market, take a left when you leave the market (onto Paradise Valley) and find a local farmer selling eggs at their street-side stand just make sure you have exact change ready.

There is a lot happening in June so get ready for an exciting month at the Farmers Market.

1.  The Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) is coming back and will be starting June 9, 2014 with coupon distribution to participating families and June 14, 2014 for coupon redemption at the Farmers Market.  Each qualified family will receive $15 worth of product/meat coupons each week to spend at the Farmers Market.  The Ministry of Health has been partnering with the BC Association of Farmers' Markets since 2013 to help fund this program.  There are currently 30 families in Powell River that benefit from this program through Family Place and BOND (Babies Open New Doors).  Although the overall program includes seniors as well, Powell River doesn't receive any provincial funding for them so we've decided to take things into our own hands and that's where this next item comes in.

2.  The bus is running!  We are pleased to report that with the support of the Powell River Regional District, the Farmers Market Shuttle is underway as of June 1, 2014.  There is a detailed schedule available on our blog under the heading Shuttle Bus for more information.







3.  Featured Farmer - our blog will be having a Featured Farmer at least 1-2 times per month.  What does this mean?   Well it's a way for our community to get to know our local farmers a bit better and an opportunity to maybe try something new.  We will be handing out $2 Farm-Specific Vouchers the weekend after the blog is published.  Vouchers will be available at the information booth for the first 12 people on both Saturday and Sunday and redeemable at the Featured Farmers Booth.  What a great way to venture into something new at the Market!

4.  June 15 is Father's Day and we will be providing a $1 Market Voucher to the first 100 Dads that make their way to the market.  Vouchers will be available at the Information Booth and can be used to purchase anything at the Farmers Market.  Happy Father's Day !

5.  June 21 is the First Day of Summer, expect to see an increase in the types of fresh, local produce that Powell River Farmers will be bringing to the market, the colour and selection of produce and berries will continue to increase.  Admittedly it's felt like summer all season already but it's nice to have a day to make it official. 

6.  Keep your eye out for a special campaign that's starting in June.  Chances to win up to $500 to spend at our farmers market and a complete canning set as well.  Details will come out in the last week of June.

Take a few minutes to check our Lost and Found page, and Special Events.  Remember to check our listing of Saturday or Sunday Vendors to see if your favourite vendors will be there the day you head to the market.  These pages are updated by midnight the night before for all the latest information.  If you would like to be a vendor you can take a look at this year's Contract which will help answer most of your questions.  Feel free to print it off and fill it out.  You can drop it off at the Information Booth during Market Hours or Email it to us.   Join us at the Powell River Farmers Market, enjoy food, friends and music in the rustic setting on McLeod Road.  Parents and Grandparents, the market is a wonderful place to bring young children as we have a large sandbox, lots of toys and of course Train Rides on Sunday and Bouncy Castle fun all weekend.