Residents of Elkford will have a new farmers market to explore this summer, as the River View Farmers Market is set to open.
The market, which will run from June 30 until Sept. 29, will feature a variety of vendors, including locally-based farmers.
“Since we are a registered B.C. Farmers Market we are adhering to the ‘Make it, Bake it, Grow it’ standard - currently we have local produce growers, artists and bakers signed up for the market as well as local food trucks,” said Lori Lemke, manager of the River View Market.
Lemke decided to pursue a farmers market in Elkford after noticing there was currently room for one in the area.
“Last summer I wondered why Elkford did not have a market - I felt it would go over well in the community as community members tend to support each others talents and businesses,” she said. “With encouragement from my husband in January I decided to make a plan and see if I could get a market in Elkford.”
While seven months pregnant, Lemke worked on doing all of the paperwork to make the market come to fruition.
“After several meetings, presentations, emails and letters, I finally got the okay from the District of Elkford for use of River View Park the week our daughter arrived,” she said.
Lemke credits the District of Elkford, the Chamber of Commerce and the Elkford Community Enhancement Society for helping make the market a reality. While there will be 20 vendor spots available, one or two spots at every market will be reserved for community groups and non-profit organizations free of charge. This is to allow those groups the opportunity to interact with the community and educate people about their organization. Along with that, one vendor spot will be reserved for a youth vendor, at no charge, for them to sell their locally made produce or goods.
The market will be open from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. every Thursday evening in River View Park, near Highway 93 and Camp Road.