This coming Sunday in the heart of Steveston marks the start of Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market.
Dozens of farmers and artisans from all over British Columbia will be coming down to the Gulf Of Georgia Cannery to sell all sorts of baked goods, produce, meat and eggs, and even artisan crafts.
“The farmers market is a great place for people to get to know where their food comes from,” said Henry Pietraszek, the market’s manager. “We have a saying here, make it, bake it, grow it and catch it,” he said.
Last year’s favourites are also coming back to the market – Farmhouse Cheese is returning along with its national best cheddar award. Sweet Thea is also coming back with a trove of baked goods, Rockwald Farms and its poultry will be there as well, along with Simply Delish soups and Pietraszek’s favourite – Martha’s Kettlecorn.
“The market itself is about interaction between customer and vendor,” Pietraszek said. “No loud acts on a central stage. It’s all about the vendors and meeting neighbours, it’s a social experience.”
What people won’t see this summer, but may do next is beer and wine sales, as a result of recent changes to B.C.’s liquor laws.
“I don’t expect it to go into effect until next summer,” Pietraszek said. “The administrative hoops haven’t been jumped through yet.”
But there is interest in bringing the sale of liquor to the market, he added.
“It’ll bring an additional dimension to Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market,” he added. “We’ve had a sake artisan express interest, too.”
