Will you get a golden ticket at this week’s New West Farmers Market?
Starting June 6 and running until Aug. 29, the New West Farmers Market is taking over a portion of the New Westminster City Hall parking lot. By using a portion of the city hall parking lot, the market can feature up to 72 vendors – one third more than the usual number accommodated in the Tipperary Park parking lot.
To celebrate its increased capacity to support up to 25 additional vendors every week, the New West Farmers Market is hosting a market-wide golden ticket giveaway on Thursday. Some market vendors will be randomly distributing tickets that are valid for the redemption of one baked good.
Market manager Emily Gaudette encourages community members to stop by the market on Thursday and make sure to check the packaging as they may just find a golden ticket in their farmers market haul. She said golden tickets will be distributed at random by by vendors upon purchase and can be redeemed for a community-baked goodie at the info booth on June 6 only.
“We're really excited to be hosting this event, because it involves everyone: vendors, customers and the lovely community of New West,” she said.
Hint: For a better chance of nabbing a golden ticket, be sure to visit vendors in the expanded area that’s opened up for this market.
“We've had such a positive response from the community, and it's been really heartwarming to see the community get excited about showing off their baking skills,” Gaudette said. “Everyone has that one baked good recipe that they've honed and perfected and thus will find any excuse to share with others, and we're excited to provide an opportunity to promote that culture of making food with love and sharing it with the community.”
This week’s market also includes live music by Jan Deny, face painting, balloon twisting, a photo booth, and an all-ages scavenger hunt.
Warmer temperatures and sunshine are in the forecast for the June 6 market.
“After a rainy beginning to the season, we're ecstatic to start the summer season with some sunshine,” Gaudette said. “This summer, our market is looking bigger and better as we're joined by a lot of really great new vendors, as our season almost doubles in size, as well as all our staple favourites.”
The New West Farmers Market’s goal is to create an inclusive place where small businesses and local producers can thrive and where the community can not only support local, but gather for some much-needed sunshine, live music, entertainment and more, Gaudette said.
“We've created a summer schedule packed with activities for people of all ages,” she said. “Our Sprout Club program will be back through July and August, providing fun and educational activities for children, but we've also scheduled activities such as yoga, an Indigenous edible plant workshop, naloxone training, an earring-making workshop and more. We want all to feel welcome and entertained enough to spend a laid-back Thursday afternoon hanging out with us, having fun, and of course, stocking their kitchens.”
Now in its 15th season, the New West Farmers Market continues every Thursday until Nov. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Tipperary Park. It’s located next to New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave.
