We are heading into the last four weeks of the market, and we want to know what you think of what we’ve offered so far in our season! One lucky winner will also receive a market tote with $50 worth of gift certificates to spend at the upcoming winter season (or you can SAVE them for the summer season – it’s up to you – they don’t expire!). The draw for the gift certificates and market tote will take place in October. Good luck! And thanks! We appreciate your feedback.
Why Volunteer with RCFM:
Royal City Farmers Market values the contribution our volunteers offer us. Working for an organization such as this shows not only the market, but the community that you support local farming practices and that you support “the little guy”. If you are interested in volunteer your skills to help make this market the best it can be then please fill out this form and email it to volunteer@newwestfarmers.ca and we will get right back to you!
Perks!
Here are some of the volunteer positions we have available at the market:
RCFM Booth: tasks include selling t shirts, memberships, and tote bags; handing out information; and answering questions at the market itself on Thursdays from 3-7. Occasionally, we set up our booth at other community events, and would need volunteers there as well. You will be the face of RCFM on market days and this is a wonderful way to stay in touch with the community. If you love to chat and have a fun personality, this would be a great fit for you!
Vendor Services: Volunteers are required to help vendors out at the market – cover their stall while they take a brief break, bring them water or change and help to load or unload their vehicles. All of our vendors are extremely friendly and this is a good way to get to know some of the people you shop from.
Set up and Tear Down: Volunteers are required to set up our booth and take it down at the end of the market.
Signage: We require volunteers to set up the signage in the area at 7AM, and also to collect it after the market ends.
Non-Market Tasks:
Website: Volunteers are required to scan for images on flickr and tag them correctly, add images to vendor pages, maintain the website, write blog entries. Proficiency in WordPress blogging platform is required. This position is great for people looking to boost their portfolio or add to their resume. There is plenty to do for the website and blog and we welcome any of your creative input.
Twitter / Facebook : Relevant information needs to be tweeted on our twitter account and Facebooked. An understanding of both Twitter and Facebook is required.
Outwest Ranches is a beef ranch out in South Surrey. They not only sell frozen beef from locally raised cattle, they also have eggs and seasonal nuts such as walnuts and hazelnuts. Carol Sandhoff, the owner of Outwest Ranches has been breeding and raising cattle for 25 years after deciding she wanted to sell her own quality products directly to the customer. This is a true family business as Carol’s mother has been on the farm for 75 years and Carol has been on the farm her entire life.
The cattle raised on Outwest Ranches are purebred Herefords (a type of cattle mainly bred for meat) and some crossbreeds. Carol’s daughter is involved in the Junior Hereford Association which shows the passion this family has towards raising quality cattle. “Raising beef the natural way, no growth hormones or antibiotics, free range eggs and fresh veggies, we all need to eat naturally grown products to ensure a better quality of life,” says Carol.
Carol is a regular at Royal City Farmers Market and will be at our winter market this year. She says “The market is a nice place to socialize with the customers and enjoy their stories of growing up on a farm.”
You can purchase meat from Outwest Ranches at every Thursday market until October as well as at the once-monthly Winter market this year, held on the second Saturday of the month at Holy Trinity Cathedral. She had many different cuts like ground roast as well as soup bones – perfect for making all your favourites.
I seem to always be drawn to Anne Kent’s stall at the market when I have my camera with me. Her beautiful cut flowers are definite eye candy that tempt you to take a look. I had recently written a post about Delightful Dahlias which are Anne’s specialty. I was pleased to see the beautiful flower tucked into her arrangements and proceeded to snap a few photos of these brightly coloured displays.
During my last visit to the market I asked Anne what she enjoys most about being at Royal City Farmers Market and she cheerily replied “the atmosphere is great as well as the other vendors.” Anne has been selling her blooms at the market since the tail end of last season and every market this season. Her Secret Garden business is run out in Bradner (near Glen Valley Organic Farm) and is 7 acres filled with assortments of florals such as perennials and of course, Dahlias. Her cheery attitude makes her a delight to speak with should you have an questions about her flowers. I even came home with an arrangement of Dahlias which now sit on my office desk as a cheery reminder of the beauty nature has to offer.
Anne Kent is at every market from 3-7pm until October 7th. Feel free to ask any questions about her flowers as she is very passionate about them and make sure to buy a couple stems because they really do add a bit of cheer to any area of your home.
Becoming a member of the Royal City Farmers Market Association is a valuable way you can show your support of the farmers market in your community. Your $10 membership helps fund the market, but it also is a ticket for you to help us shape the market. Members are entitled to vote at our Annual General Meeting and are welcome to attend any of our regular meetings. You’re also entitled to a discount off our nice RCFM booth merchandise! Here’s more about becoming a member. In appreciation of our members, we offer two Member Appreciation Days in the summer and one in our Winter Market season. Participating vendors will be offering special prices or discounts to members with a valid membership card. You can also buy memberships at the RCFM info booth on Member Appreciation Day. Members will be emailed a list of the discounts a few days before the market – and guess what?? September 16th is our final summer season Member Appreciation Day! Don’t forget your card! Here’s what else is on:
Music, sponsored by our friends at the Heritage Grill (where there’s live jazz, blues, folk, Latin, and funk 7 days a week!):
Kids’ Entertainment:
Community Group:
Vendors This Week : (not all vendors come to every market, so check this list if you’re looking for someone special – they are arranged categorically. Want a complete listing of all the vendors, even the ones not here this week? Here it is!)
Eat On Site
Produce
Dairy
Meat & Fish
Bread & Baking
Delectable Treats
Local Crafters
Gardening
Services
