CAROLYN GRANT
There is no doubt that the idea of local, sustainable food is popular right now. In communities across the province, community gardens, community kitchens and more are bringing the concept of feeding ourselves to the forefront. And farmers' markets, which bring that fresh local food to local consumers, are proving very popular — case in point, the extremely successful Cranbrook Farmers Market.
This summer, you will find the same in Kimberley, managed by Erna Jensen-Shill of Wildsight, who has guided the Cranbrook market to its success.
This will be a true farmers' market, Jensen-shill says.
"Shoppers will find local vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread, and honey, plus hot food, fresh baking, and crafts from local artisans.
"It's all about make it, grow it, or bake it at the farmers' marker, so you can be certain that everything you buy at the market is locally made, baked, or grown."
Kimberley will offer the market on Thursday evenings, a time when the Chamber has made an effort to have businesses stay open late. Many Thursdays in the summer also feature the Kimberley Community Band offering free concerts at the Platzl gazebo. And the market, which will be set up along Howard Street above the Platzl, fits right into that, offering a little more to draw people downtown on warm, summer evenings.
The markets will run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from July 3 to September 11 — the peak of the local harvest season.
"After the great success of the Cranbrook Farmer's Market over the past 5 years, we knew the time was ripe for our very own market in Kimberley - and by offering a mid-week market, we can attract vendors who are already committed on the weekends," said Jensen-Shill.
Shoppers will find everything from fresh salad greens to local lamb and pork, including farm fresh eggs, local honey, garlic, veggies, fruit, and berries. There will be preserves, bread, baked goods, including gluten-free options, plus fresh roasted coffee and tea. Local artisans will show off their crafts, including wood and metal works, candles, soap, jewelery, and more. Of course, there will be vendors selling hot food as well, so Kimberlites can enjoy dinner at the market while doing their shopping.
"We really wanted to give local farmers and growers an outlet to sell locally," said Jess Windle, Wildsight's Food Sustainability coordinator, "and to help support new farming and food production businesses in the area. Of course, locals get fresher, healthier, and tastier food with local production too."
Wildsight has a great lineup of local food producers and artisans ready for the summer market. If you grow or produce local food or make crafts, the Kimberley Farmers' Market is a great way to connect with local shoppers. Vendors can learn more about selling at the market at kimberleyfarmersmarket.ca or by calling market manager Erna Jensen-Shill at 250-427-2535, ext. 224.
"There is plenty of work to do in setting up for the market every week and keeping things running smoothly," said Jensen-Shill, "so if you want to volunteer to help out, please get in touch."
"We have some special plans in the works for the first market on July 3rd, so get your reusable shopping bags ready and mark your calendars for a fun evening."