The Houston Farmer’s Market is returning this year with a new location and a twist designed to increase interest and participation.
The new location is at the end of Steelhead Park, behind the Elements restaurant.
“It’s a great location as it will allow for more vendors and is just off of the highway,” said Markella Mildenberger who is the market manager this year.
“More vendors would be amazing, really anything although additional produce vendors, food vendors, honey, and even meat vendors are needed,” she added.
The twist this year is in the market hours. Traditionally the market runs every Friday from noon to 4 p.m. but the plan this year is to hold the market in the late afternoon into the early evening on the last Friday of each month.
Mildenberger said the goal is to attract vendors and customers who cannot attend during the afternoon.
“The plan is to create a vibrant atmosphere with food vendors, ideally including buskers or music, some form of entertainment, and allow for an increase of vendors,” she added.
Those interested in entertaining and/or busking are welcome during both the day markets and the once-a-month evening one.
“We should note that since Houston Farmer’s Market is not for profit, these openings are not paid hence, the busking, and serve as a great opportunity to showcase some talent to the community and summer tourism,” Mildenberger noted.
And as the market prepares for its first day on June 14, sponsoring agency Houston Link to Learning is ready to distribute provincial food coupon booklets once again.
People needing financial assistance to purchase food use coupons to buy items at the market and vendors then redeem the coupons.
The program has two benefits — helping people buy local food while supporting a local food industry.
“Houston Link to Learning will receive 39 regular sets of coupons and 19 specifically allocated for seniors. That is $27 per week for each person/family receiving coupons,” said Houston Link to Learning manager Marian
Ells.
The provincial government last year significantly increased the number of coupon booklets across the province.
In a separate allocation, the Dze L’Kant Friendship Centre will receive 20 booklets.
Houston Link to Learning has been sponsoring the Houston Farmer’s Market for 10 years as one of its initiatives aimed at encouraging a local food supply.
The market will run for 16 Fridays with its last day being September 27.
