What's On
On July 1st I had my very first visit to Royal City Famers Market. While the weather was less than ideal for Canada Day festivities, I was very surprised to see a fantastic turn-out at the market. As I walked towards the action I could see vendors setting up shop for the day. There is a certain frenetic energy at the beginning of market day while everyone seems to get their stand set up like a well-oiled machine. I turned on my camera to snap some photos of all the action as the smell of savoury beer brats stirred a rumble in my stomach.
Beer Brats
There were many items to light-up the senses. The dixie-land jazz trio, Razzmajazz, played in the background while shoppers tasted items from various vendors. Although I am a vegetarian, I was enticed by the scent of Bison dogs on the grill from Maluma Health Foods and almost succumbed to the decadent, yet lean meat. There were samplings of delicious dips and spreads from Con Amore and tastings of various types of hummus from Bean Boy Creations - I especially enjoyed the smoky chipotle flavour. I also wandered over to A Bread Affair’s stand and drooled over the selection of delicious organic artisan breads.
A Bread Affair
Everyone milled around the market with a smile on their face despite the mild rainy drizzle and dark ominous clouds looming above their heads. Some people stopped by Harmony Works Chair Massages to get the kinks worked out of their trouble spots, while I watched and wished I brought more cash so I could indulge in such a holistic treat. There were also plenty of activities for those young at heart, including a scavenger hunt and kid’s fishing derby.
The market is definitely a treat to the senses. The smell of fresh food being grilled on the BBQ, the sound of local bands playing in the background, the sight of all the brightly coloured produce and floral arrangements, the feel of hand-made soaps and textiles and the taste of all the delicious samples create a wonderfully inexpensive outdoor activity. I really enjoyed my first visit to Royal City Farmers Market and look forward to spending my summer being inspired by this weekly gem of a place.
Finishing Set Up
We’re pleased to offer you this coupon for a free bell pepper at tomorrow’s market! Please print it off and present it at the Applebarn when you come tomorrow.
Coupon! Click for full size
What Side Are You On?
Choose. There can only be one. One vegetable to rule them all. Pick your side.
Market Manager Jen Arbo
Opening market was tonnes of fun with faces new and old. The market is a community and it was nice to get back to it – I didn’t realize how much I missed it over the winter until I was there, unlocking the portable toilet and pointing out stall spaces. As Chris Bodnar, from Glen Valley Organic Farm put it, “it’s like the first day back at school.”
Set up went off more or less hitch free, except next time, we’ll check the brand new tent before market day to make sure it’s fully assembled – trying to figure that out in the pouring rain was not particularly fun. Rays of sunshine Korki the Clown and Allyson Grant were there to provide smiles and giggles to kids of all ages. Market favourite Ron Ulrich with his silky, catchy cover songs stood tall during the rain and sang those cloudy skies away.
To kick things off, in true New Westminster fashion, we blew off a cannon from our friends at the Seymour Artillery Historical Association. As market manager, it’s not often I get to call the non-emergency police line and tell them to “be aware we’re blowing off cannons up here at the market and please don’t panic.” Kind of fun, really.
Here’s how the opening went down:
RCFM Opening Day from Royal City Farmers Market on Vimeo.
The rain eventually let up around 4 and shoppers started trickling in, having been scared off by the torrential downpours at the start. After my market manager duties were completed, I barely had time to get my shopping in.
My haul included feta and butter from new vendor Farmhouse Natural Cheese, my favourite Raclette from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks (oh cheese, you are my kryptonite!), organic frozen blueberries from Forstbauer Natural Food Farm, brownies and buttertarts from Blackberry Hill, the sweetest and most lovely carrots from Nature Village, organic cherry tomatoes that look like little pears from Ceylddon Farms, a loaf of sourdough from A Bread Affair, coveted spot prawns from Mary-Anne at Fresh Off the Boat, and a fresh jar of wildflower honey from Liz at Jane’s Honeybees – good timing too, since I polished off the last of my jar from Winter Market only the day before. I also grabbed a Sweet Chili Lime Hummus from Bean Boy and some crisps – an awesome new product – from Momma Nellie’s Goodies for a dinner party I’m headed to this weekend.
Ah… the market. L’amour. What was in your tote? Tell us in the comments!
The fundraiser last Wednesday was a smashing success. Thank you to everyone who came out and a big thanks to all of our sponsors for their generosity. We sold out of tickets and it was standing room only. We also exceeded our fundraising goal and truly have started the 2010 Summer Season off with a huge, huge bang. Pictures are coming soon. For now, check out the lineup for the opening market!
What better way to kick off our 2010 Summer Season than with a lovely social fundraiser at the Heritage Grill?
The Heritage Grill by Dennis Hurd
The 3rd Annual RCFM fundraiser is happening Wednesday June 2nd, from 6PM till whenever we close the place down, and will feature your choice of pasta entrée or burger entrée (with four burger types to select from!) and your choice of glass draft or house wine. We’ll also be featuring a silent auction with great goodies donated by our wonderful supporters. Its a great way to meet like minded people. Tickets are just $20 and are available bycalling 778 928 7236 or emailing info@rcfm.ca or by stopping by the Village Coffee Lounge at 705 12th Street.
It’s going to be a great time!
Jen, Will, and Jocelyn at the 2009 Fundraiser - photo by Jocelyn Tomkinson
The New Westminster Community Garden Society got the green thumbs up recently from New Westminster City Council to proceed with a community garden at Simcoe Park. The Society had already recently entered into an agreement with St. Mary’s in Sapperton to start up a garden. Now the Society needs some help to get growing!
NWCGS is seeking donations of used garden tools, and at the final winter market this Saturday, April 17th, we are happy to collect those tools! So please bring them down to the market when you come to stock up on your supplies. Here’s some details on the final winter market of the season.
RCFM and the New Westminster Community Garden Society appreciates your support!
Tools are cool., photo by podchef on Flickr
RCFM invites you to join us in noting Canada’s first Bottled Water Free Day on March 11th. For more info, you can check out Bottled Water Free Day online. RCFM is, and will continue to be, bottled water free. We are proudly serving good ol’ New Westminster tap water at our summer markets. You can also watch and pass around this funny and enlightening video!
Pass it on!
NEW WESTMINSTER – The Royal City Farmers Market invites New Westminster to share the love at the next Winter Market, coming up just after Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 20.
“As always, I can’t wait for the monthly winter market,” says Operations Manager Jen Arbo. “I feel such a huge sense of community at the market, and look forward to not only the food and other goods, but seeing all the happy faces, both familiar and new!”
The theme for February’s market will be “In Love With the Market” and will feature musical guest Chris Messytone playing romantic French and Italian folk music on the accordion. As always, customers will find locally grown fresh produce, homemade goodies, handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind items.
The market will feature storytelling for the kids with author Kathleen McMillan, who will read her heartwarming story of Bluebeary the Bear. The New Westminster Community Garden Society will be present to share their progress on opening new garden sites around the city.
RCFM will also be “spreading the love” by collecting food bank donations at the event.
The market will be held from 10am-2pm on Saturday, February 20 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Hall at 514 Carnarvon St. For a listing of all vendors who will be there, check out the complete details.
Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual general meeting of the Royal City Farmer’s Market Society:
Thursday January 28, 2010
Sign in and new memberships: 6:30 pm
Meeting: 7:00 pm
New West Public Library Auditorium
716 Sixth Ave.
New Westminster
Guest speaker will be Chris Bodnar from Glen Valley Farms located near Fort Langley. Glen Valley was a popular vendor at our summer market. The 50 acre certified organic farm was purchased through a co-operative that formed to save the farm in 1997. Individuals apply to farm the land and produce the vegetables, herbs and fruit and eggs you’ve seen at the market.
Board reports from the summer and winter markets, election of a 2010 Board, and comments/questions will fill out the evening. Refreshments and goodies will be served.
We look forward to your continued support and to seeing you on January 28!
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