Check out this awesome video about our market filmed and edited by local Laura Cuthbert. Our thanks to Laura for granting us permission to link to it. Some of you may recognize Laura as one of the Olympic torch bearers in our fair city. We’d like to think she’s carrying the torch for our market now. We also think she’s a member of Team Eggplant.
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
On May 8th, the Vancouver Farmers Markets will be kicking off its summer season. It seems really early to me – not because we don’t have the requests to start early from both shoppers and vendors -but because I’m currently deep in the middle of allocation and scheduling and approving new vendors and May 8th seems so close! Good luck to our Vancouver Market friends!
I frequently get asked if I feel that other market organizations are competition and I prefer to think of all the other markets as similar teams running the same marathon. We all have our own goals but we sure can train together. It’s great to connect with other markets during this planning stage and share and learn from one another. Whenever I can, I like to visit other markets and see what’s working for them. RCFM is a relatively new organization – this will only be our third summer season – and there is much to learn!
Our summer season returns to Tipperary Park on June 10th from 3-7. We’re pleased to be starting earlier and adding two extra weeks to our season, bringing it to a total of 18. This year we are planning as many kids activities as possible, and we’ll continue to have music at every market. We’ll also going to introduce a few new things this year, one of which is at least two Member Appreciation Days where organization members will get discounts and deals and special offers from participating vendors.
One this is for sure, this is going to be a fantastic season! We asked you last year what you wanted us to improve and we appreciate all the feedback. Many of you felt that there were more than enough craft fairs in the area, and wanted to see more food vendors, so we are increasing the food vendors to 90% of the market, and allocating only 10% to arts and crafts. We’re shooting for 50-60% fresh food vendors at each and 30-40% prepared goods. We’re also going to work hard to bring a greater variety of community groups and services to the market so that you can check out the great work non-profits are doing to help improve New Westminster. We will still operate Art in the Park (and are looking for artists who are interested in our open air free art gallery) and continue to bring you a great community event each week.
Stay tuned for info about our 3rd Annual Fundraiser!
The Royal City Farmers Market AGM was held January 28. For those who were unable to attend, we are posting the text of the speeches each board member gave to summarize our progress in the 2009 market year.
I had experienced the market for the inaugural summer season and immediately witnessed how it brought the community together.
While the vendors themselves were the experts at being a local, environmentally responsible source of food and the work of the market manager and society was doing great job promoting that link between consumer and producer, what I saw was my neighbors.
It was the way the market drew the citizens of our city to interact in one spacious, safe place. I saw how community groups were able to reach out and pursue the good works they promoted within the city.
Neighbours could come out of their TV rooms and talk, neighbourhoods could come together from across town and kids could play together outside of school with their families sharing that time with them. Local politicians could go right up to their constituents and find out what they thought but more importantly, the voters could talk with their elected reps to find out what they were doing!
So I found my place as a volunteer. I just showed up and started to help, to get a feel for the group and to find out what needed to get done. I soon learned that there is a lot of work behind the scenes (and kudos to the others on the board and the volunteers for getting this important event off the ground for the first season in 2008).
I quickly learned that a key element in attracting the neighbourhoods and civic liveliness to the events was the high quality of our vendors: their products, their expertise…..their spirit. I also learned that the reason that a relatively small market like the RCFM was able to attract such quality vendors was both the spirit that the city brought every week and the level of support that market staff offered the vendors.
Time after time, I hear from our vendors that this is their favorite market or that the RCFM staff was one of the reasons that they had made a recommendation to another vendor or booked more weeks in a month than they otherwise would have. So besides the heavy lifting that any volunteer for RCFM needed to do, I made a point to foster this level of support and respect between the vendors and the RCFM.
On the board at the time, as Vendor Rep, was Ilona from Vienna Treasures. She is many things, including a cherished member of New Westminster’s small business community, an expert craftsman confectioneer and baker, an entrepreneur from her shop, her booth at RCFM and other markets, but she was also a valued member and a crucial voice on our board, speaking from a vendor’s perspective. When she stepped down from the board during the summer we missed her perspective and her work but thankfully, we didn’t have to miss her or her baking because the Vienna Treasures booth remained a key feature for many market weeks.
I was invited to join the board to inexpertly fill her position and, as I am not a vendor at any market, I took the post of vendor liaison. Strictly speaking, I was to be a voice from the vendor’s perspective, engage the vendors on behalf of the board to ensure they were happy with the direction and features of the market, and be an ear for any complaints or suggestions that might come up that could not be handled by the market manager. Some positions on the board are thankless tasks; this is not one of them.
I am happy to report…happy vendors! RCFM remains a preferred venue for many qualified, in demand and sought after vendors. During the summer and even now during the winter monthly markets, our problem has been where to put all of the fantastic vendors who have chosen to make a home with the RCFM. Our expansion into the winter is a testament to how our vendors feel about doing business in New Westminster. A good portion of the support and direction for the winter market came from our vendors themselves.
I am triply lucky as a member of the RCFM. I have the pleasure to work with an outstanding group of citizens who have come together and, in 2009 invite me, to help run this market; I get to interact with my neighbours and colleagues from this wonderful city and, I am proud to say, I can work with our RCFM vendors and the farmer’s market vendor community that brings such authenticity and craft to our town each week or each month. Here’s to 2010!
The Royal City Farmers Market AGM was held January 28. For those who were unable to attend, we are posting the text of the speeches each board member gave to summarize our progress in the 2009 market year.
First of all, on behalf of all the current Board members, I’d like to thank Marjorie Staal who has been the RCFM Treasurer since the day the group started until October 2009. Marjorie offered wise and level headed counsel as well as the usual treasurer duties to the RCFM group over the last 2 ½ years. Thank you Marjorie!
The Board found a very capable, energetic and committed market manager, Jennifer Arbo, this spring. The tally sheets and detailed reports from her make the work of your treasurer much easier. I’d also like to thank our bookkeeper, John Mori, and Murray Ovens who reviewed our records and prepared the financial statements for 2009.
The financial statements presented here reflect a very successful second season for the Royal City Farmer’s Market. Our budget predictions were quite tight going into the summer 2009 market season. Both the past treasurer and I were very pleased to see so many happy individuals, families, pets, kids, community groups and of course, market vendors every Thursday afternoon. It became a real New West community event to attend this year!
We are pleased to be in a stable situation at year end and have now started to build a small contingency fund for future market seasons if things such as bad weather, community support, or location issues appear on the horizon.
This year the Board was very pleased to be able participate in the BC Association of Farmers Markets’ Nutrition Coupon Program. The funding came through Fraser Health Authority and we partnered with Fraser Health Pregnancy Outreach Program, Baby & Me Program. Young mums in the New West and Burnaby areas received coupons for purchases of fresh, nutritious and locally grown food at the summer farmers’ market. 86% of the coupons were redeemed – a very high rate, and the total coupon value spent at the market was $7,900.
This year we started a series of five winter markets from December through to April. These markets are a bit more difficult to sponsor and so, we need your support and help in spreading the word to have more people attend each winter market.
Thank you all for your support for the Royal City Farmers’ Market. We look forward to seeing you at the next winter market Feb. 20 and then into the summer and fall.
The Royal City Farmers Market AGM was held January 28. For those who were unable to attend, we are posting the text of the speeches each board member gave to summarize our progress in the 2009 market year.
At the end of May 2009 I received an unexpected and timely phone call from Andrew. I was a stay at home mom trying to figure out how to stay at home when my mat leave ended, and in less than a week I was hired on as the market manager. I also wanted to say a special thank you to Will Tomkinson for mentioning my name to Andrew that fateful day back in May.
It was a race to get organized for the first week, and I don’t really think the pace slowed down until October, and even then it was full speed ahead to organize the winter market. By the end of the summer season, I think we were operating as a well oiled machine!
There were a total of 64 vendors approved to sell at RCFM throughout the season. My largest challenge during the summer and now during the winter is where to put all of the amazing vendors who wanted to come. The most vendors at any one market in the summer was 38, with the average at about 33, and the lowest at 29. We were fortunate to only have one rainy day – and rain it did – but there were two weeks in the height of summer where we baked in the heat and if you ask me, I’m not sure what was harder to work through!
We are on track for a spectacular 2010 season, I’m working on forms and applications for returning and new vendors alike and things will be full speed ahead once the new board meets. I want to say a few quick thank yous:
First, to the volunteers who came out week after week and did everything from taking surveys, putting up signs, monitoring kids activities, running the RCFM booth… you are an integral part of how this organization functions and week after week, you made me feel as though everything was in good hands.
Second, I am honored to have worked with such an energetic and committed board. You were all willing to pitch in your own volunteer time, and as a collective, you were a pretty decent boss. Thank you for your time and your faith in me.
Thank you also to the community groups, city departments, and other organizations that supported us by donating time and services to help the market run smoothly.
Finally, I wanted to point say a special thank you to Briana Tomkinson, who some of you may already know but may not know of her contribution. Briana has been an incredible supporter and volunteer behind the scenes – among other things, she has redesigned our website, has helped me write press releases, and handles all of the social media updates. Without her I simply could not have gotten as much done.
Not many people can say they love their job; I am truly grateful that I can say I do.
The Royal City Farmers Market AGM was held January 28. For those who were unable to attend, we are posting the text of the speeches each board member gave to summarize our progress in the 2009 market year.
We begin with the President’s Report from Andrew Murray, followed by reports from Market Manager Jen Arbo, Treasurer Sheila Rowswell and Vendor Liaison Will Tomkinson. Thanks again to everyone who came out in support of the Royal City Farmers Market!
Our 2009 summer market season proved to be as successful if not more so as our first season. Blessed with good weather for all but one market we saw significant increases in attendance and the number of vendors at the market. We averaged approximately 35 vendors/mkt. a 30% increase over our first year.
We were fortunate to become part of the Nutrition Coupon Program which allowed 50 low income families to come to the market and redeem coupons for fresh fruit and vegetables. The redemption rate was 88% and we’re hoping to be able to offer the program in 2010.
We also introduced Art in the Park this year which allowed local artists to come, set up and receive some valuable exposure in the community. Some were able to sell their work for the first time due to being at the Market.
We addressed our long term storage issue by purchasing a trailer mid way through the summer. Being able to store all our equipment in one place has saved us a lot of time as well as alleviating some aching lower backs.
Our website has been completely redone and is now a much more effective marketing tool. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. It’s clear that social media is a very effective way of increasing our core support.
The Board made the decision to go ahead with a series of Winter Markets on a trial basis. We based our decision on the over 250 surveys we did during the summer market season. From the surveys it was clear there was demand for us to have a year round presence in the community. Our first two markets to date at Holy Trinity Cathedral have been well received and we’ll be evaluating the decision in the spring.
From a financial perspective the RCFM is on solid footing, our revenues rose significantly this season and we were prudent in managing our expenses. The hiring of Jen Arbo as our Operations Manager has proven to be probably the best decision we made all year. Jen has done a wonderful job for the Market and has demonstrated amazing organizational skills – plus she makes a pretty mean cup of chai tea!
The 2009 Board of Directors have been a dedicated and passionate group who have worked extremely well together this past year. It’s been a pleasure to be involved with them and I thank them for all their hard work.
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!
The Royal City Farmers Market has finalized the dates of our 2009/2010 Winter Market season. Markets will be held monthly from December to April in the hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral, from 10am to 2pm. Each market will have a unique theme, with a related activity and/or children’s craft.
- December 12th: Winter Holiday
- January 9th: New Year Resolutions, featuring a cookbook swap
- February 20th: I Love the Market (in honour of Valentine’s Day)
- March 20th: Spring Fling
- April 17th: Garden Market
RCFM Winter Markets will feature locally produced meat, fresh winter produce (such as beets, cabbage, chard, onions, and potatoes) as well as prepared foods (jams, pickles, pies, dips and sauces), hot food, artisans and crafters, live music and other entertainment, children’s activities, community booths and more.
Want to get involved? New vendors & volunteers for the winter season are most welcome!
- Volunteer opportunities
- Apply to be a vendor or set up a community table
- Join the RCFM Association
- Write a guest post or submit a photo for our website
- Contact us to make a donation
While the regular summer market season has come to an end, the Royal City Farmers Market Association is proud to announce that New Westminster locavores won’t have to wait until next June for their farmers market fix. This December, RCFM will launch a new monthly Winter Market in New Westminster.
The Winter Market will be a monthly event on selected Saturdays from December to April in the hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral, and will feature locally produced meat, fresh winter produce (such as beets, cabbage, chard, onions, and potatoes) as well as prepared foods (jams, pickles, pies, dips and sauces), hot food, artisans and crafters, live music and other entertainment, children’s activities, community booths and more.
As market regulars know, RCFM has been asking for feedback from customers and vendors on overall market performance, as well as gauging demand for a winter market. The online and in-person survey showed overwhelming support for a winter market, from both customers and vendors.
It was no small feat to choose a location. It had to be central, affordable, accessible by car and public transit, provide both indoor and outdoor space for vendors, wheelchair accessible, power & water access, and large enough to accommodate a healthy crowd of vendors and customers. The hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral more than meets all our requirements.
It was a great summer season for our New Westminster Farmers Market: strong attendance, happy vendors, and some of the best rates of participation in the B.C. Farmers Market Association Nutrition Coupon Program. We are confident our new Winter Market will continue in the same tradition.
Watch for full details soon on market dates, vendors and entertainment.
Want to get involved?
- Volunteer opportunities
- Apply to be a vendor or set up a community table
- Join the RCFM Association
- Write a guest post or submit a photo for our website
- Contact us to make a donation
The Winter Market will be held once a month on a Saturday between December 2009 and April 2010 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Hall, 514 Carnarvon St., New Westminster.
Loading ...
