The Fernie Mountain Market's first sale of the season took place on Canada Day.
Artisans and food trucks set up at the Aquatic Centre to catch the crowds of people who gathered to take part in Canada Together, an Indigenous event offered by Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Tobacco Plains Band) and the City of Fernie, with public activities like Indigenous dance and Ktunaxa sports.
The farmers market will run every Sunday from July to September at Rotary Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market manager Dawn Deydey said visitors can expect anywhere from 40 to 60 vendors each week, selling a variety of fresh regional produce, with strawberries and leafy greens being the earliest offerings of the season.
"It's so great to connect with the people who grow our food. It's really nice to understand how it's grown and learn the best way to prepare it. Farmers love what they do," she said.
Deydey anticipates that B.C soft fruit like peaches, nectarines and apricots will be hard to come by this year, since orchards in Creston were decimated by severe winter storms. She said to expect berries, and apples, cherries and pears instead.
"Food prices are going up and it's challenging for the public, but it's also so challenging for our farmers, so it's so lovely to be able to support them. We're all feeling that crunch," she added.
A study released by the B.C Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM), found that the Fernie Mountain Market had $1.22 million annual economic impact on the local economy last year, with $813,000 in direct annual sales from more than 33,200 visits.
BCAFM recently launched a new phone app called The Tasting Passport, which makes it easier for people to discover farmers markets across the province, including Fernie Mountain Market. Those who check in at different locations can redeem prizes.
