The New West Farmers Market is launching its 15th season in Tipperary Park with an Easter-themed block party.
The market’s 2024 season gets underway on Thursday, March 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Tipperary Park, which is located next to New Westminster City Hall.
“We're kicking off the season with our inaugural block party. And because it's Easter, we are also collaborating again with the City of New Westminster in their Easter egg scavenger hunt,” said market manager Emily Gaudette. “So, there's going to be a lot going on for the whole family on opening day.”
The block party will feature vendors, food trucks, live music from Sue Breton, free treats for the first 100 visitors, a piñata, a “quirky farm-themed” photo booth. Children’s activities include balloon animals and face painting, as well as crafts hosted by New West Family Place.
The City of New Westminster is offering an Easter egg scavenger hunt and is making arrangements for some roving Easter bunnies to attend.
Adults are invited to take part in a silent auction that will feature items from local businesses and market vendors.
“People can get a taste of what's to be offered at our markets throughout the year, all on opening day,” Gaudette said. “Members will also be able to access our membership appreciation deals from participating vendors. And if folks aren't members, but want to access those deals we are even featuring deals on becoming a member, which folks can do by seeing us at our info booth.”
The market’s annual membership program provides exclusive access to deals at select markets throughout the year.
Gaudette said the March 28 event will be a great start to the 2024 season, which runs until Nov. 7 in Tipperary Park.
“Throughout the year, the community can expect to find an array of diverse vendors including food trucks, fresh local produce, so many baked goods, craft beer, cider, and wine, chocolate, coffee, pet products, candles, soap, jewelry and so much more,” she said. “We're really excited to also be offering a lot of vegan options to choose from throughout the year.”
The New West Farmers Market has already booked 134 vendors for the 2024 season, and is still able to accept a few more.
“That will make this season the most diverse ever in terms of vendor variety,” Gaudette told the Record. “Every market will host an average of 46 vendors, and we're able to support a few community booths, operated by various local organizations, at each market as well.”
Even more vendors will be attending markets from June 1 to Aug. 29 because the market site will expand to include some of the space in front of city hall.
“All summer long we'll be able to support 73 vendors,” Gaudette said. “And every Thursday will be like a block party where you can meet up with friends, bring your family, bring your dog and support the fantastic local businesses that we are very excited to host.”
Gaudette said the New West Farmers Market strives to create an inclusive, equitable and accessible community hub where the community to gather. She said it also acts as a small business incubator for local entrepreneurs and producers.
“It's a laid back fun, family-friendly way to spend a Thursday afternoon. The community can expect to see live music, our little free library just a way, kids activities, and fresh local food all season long,” she said. “And our block party is really to celebrate that wonderful community and thank them for their support over the years.”
