The Haney Farmers Market is about to transition to the Haney Winter Market, meaning there will be a downtown market year-round.
The Haney Winter Market is coming up this Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Golden Ears United Church (22165 Dewdney Trunk Rd.)
Both of these weekly markets are presented by the Fraser North Farmers Market Society, with the Haney Farmers Market running from May through October, and the Winter Market moving indoors from November through April. There will be no markets on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, nor on Dec. 30.
Alex Pope the society executive director, said the regional trend is toward year-round farmers markets.
“There’s a need for it,” said Pope. “We’ve got several farmers with greenhouses who can provide food year-round.”
He noted that the Haney Farmers Market was drawing an estimated 2,500 people to Memorial Peace Park on Saturdays. That’s up from 2,000 pre-COVID, he said. The pandemic disrupted the market significantly, but now it has bounced back in a big way.
“There’s a desire for fresh produce, and to just get out in the community, and to meet people,” said Pope.
There are already almost 40 vendors listed for the upcoming indoor market, and there are prepared foods, local produce and artisan goods. Pope said the society’s mandate is to have at least half of the vendors selling food.
Parking is available in back of the church.
He noted that the market has participated in the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program. While funding from the province is not available this time of year, the society hopes to raise $25,000 by Dec. 1, in order to offer nutrition coupons for those in need to redeem at the markets. They are available partner organizations.
For more information, see farmersandmore.org
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