The New West Farmers Market will soon be making its return to Tipperary Park.
The market is kicking off its 16th season on Thursday, March 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the park with an opening day block party.
In addition to the regular 50+ vendors, attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment and activities. Some of the day’s highlights include: free vegan cupcakes for the first 100 customers (by vendor Occasionally Honey); face painting (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.); a silent auction with more than $1,000 worth of products; giveaways; and more.
Emily Gaudette, market manager, said the season opening block party will be a lively and welcoming, family- and community-oriented event.
“We want to celebrate our vibrant community by fostering a vibrant kickoff to another great market season,” she said. “The event will feature an opening ceremony, live music, a silent auction, giveaways and lots of fun activities for kids such as a pinata party, face painting and balloon twisting — so there's something fun for everyone to participate in.”
Added Gaudette: “With spring in the air, it's a great time to come pick up some fresh produce and sit down for a laid-back picnic with some friends in the surrounding park.”
The market invites community members to grab dinner and dessert right at the market with Odd Burger and Crema Ice Cream. While supporting local vendors, attendees will be able to groove to the tunes of Ally Jean and participate in the opening ceremony.
The New West Farmers Market encourages attendees to share their market haul and tag the market on social media to be entered in a draw to receive $20 in market money.
Gaudette said the community's favourite vendors are returning for the season — and a variety of new vendors will be attending as well. Attendees can expect to see live music, the little free library, kids’ activities, and fresh local food all season long.
“As we are living in unprecedented times, living under the constant threat of tariffs from our biggest trading partner as well as the effects of climate change, it has never been more important to shop locally and support local producers and businesses,” Gaudette said. “Every dollar that you spend at Canadian-owned businesses ensures that $0.66 stays local and directly benefits your community, whereas when you spend a dollar on non-Canadian businesses, only $0.11 stays in Canada.”
Shopping for local produce at farmers markets also cuts down on your environmental footprint and ensures farmers are able to continue to sell locally instead of shipping their products overseas, Gaudette said.
New West Farmers Market will run every Thursday from March 27 to Oct. 30 in Tipperary Park. This season, a dedicated accessible parking spot is being made available on Queens Avenue.
“We love and are so grateful for the support of the New West community, and our block party is a way for us to celebrate that wonderful community and thank them for their support over the years,” Gaudette said.
“We hope to see lots of familiar and fresh faces at the market this year.”
