The transient nature of farmers’ markets has always fascinated me. When I arrive at the market early Saturday morning, I stand alone in an empty field in silence, clipboard in one hand, coffee in the other, waiting for vendors to arrive. By 7:30 a.m. the first vendors start to drift in. Most are familiar faces – or better said, familiar cars and trucks overflowing with tents, displays, farm produce and crafts. The pace accelerates as more and more vendors arrive, and I dodge among rising tents to direct newcomers to their appointed spots. In just over an hour, an empty field is transformed into a colourful village of more than 50 small businesses housed under portable canopies. By 9 a.m. the first customers arrive and over the next four hours the market is a boisterous town centre. By 1 p.m., shopping is done and the vendors are packing up and heading home. The field is soon empty again, save for the cries of rowdy crows scavenging for abandoned market morsels.
Our market vendors are small businesses, mostly home-based farmers and artisans. The market isn’t just about the pleasure of a country morning: it’s also about local small businesses whose temporary stores are open for just a few hours every week. Just like a town centre needs shoppers to remain viable, a sustainable farmers’ market needs lots of customers too! This year you’ll meet familiar vendors, and new ones too. The 4-H club, celebrating 100 Years in B.C. this year, is back serving coffee, cold drinks, breakfast buns, hot dogs and more. And everyone looks forward to Captain Pete and his catch from the sea!
The Peninsula Country Market opens Saturday, June 7th in Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay, part of the Brentwood Bay Festival. It returns to its regular location the following Saturday (June 14th) at the Saanich Fairgrounds with music from Chick Wagon. The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through to Thanksgiving, rain or shine, except for the weekend of the Saanich Fair. If you haven’t yet been charmed by the market experience, watch Brian Trotto’s video on the front page of our website at www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca.
