New West Farmers Market

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Eating seasonally and locally is a way to live more lightly on the earth – with a side benefit of enjoying more tasty produce! If you’ve ever compared a woody, out-of-season California strawberry with one fresh-picked from the garden, you’ve experienced this first-hand. But if you’ve always just bought what’s available at the grocery store (and you don’t garden yourself), you may not know just what is in season. Act Now B.C. has compiled a list of benefits of eating seasonally, along with a handy chart that shows when your favourite produce is available.

Photo: Sharon Mollerus
Photo: Sharon Mollerus

The two benefits identified by Act Now B.C. are affordability (out-of-season produce usually costs more) and sustainability (environmental, community and economic) but, as I alluded to at the beginning, the most immediate and satisfying is the sheer pleasure of eating a strawberry that tastes like a strawberry should.

So, what’s in season now?

  • Strawberries
  • Beans
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Corn
  • Lettuce
  • Green onions
  • Radishes
  • Rhubarb
  • Spinach
  • Turnips
  • Zucchini

We can look forward to all of the above, plus the following treats at the Royal City Farmers Market in July & August:

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Currants
  • Raspberries
  • Parsnips
  • Field peppers

Remember, the market is held every Thursday from 3-7pm, starting June 25 and continuing until October 8, in Tipperary Park near City Hall.

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frdc_logo-091

At our opening market, you’ll see a booth from the Fraser River Discovery Centre. New Westminster exists because of the mighty Fraser, and the FRDC strives to educate you on everything Fraser. They’re bringing a fish kite craft for kids and a learning booth and will be on hand to answer all your questions.

“Running from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River has shaped the province of BC. Learn about the ecology, the history, the culture, the communities and the industry of the Mighty Fraser River! Not far from the Expo Skytrain line, and along the boardwalk at New Westminster Quay, the Fraser River Discovery Centre features a gift shop, a large exhibit gallery, a theatre and a full range of public and school programs.”

The Fraser River Discovery Centre is located right on (what else) the Fraser, at the Quay, at 788 Quayside Drive.

  • Telephone 604-521-8401
  • Fax 604-521-9401
  • Email Info@fraserriverdiscovery.org

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The second incarnation of the Royal City Farmers’ Market will kick off June 25th with a special “Welcome to Summer Vacation” market, featuring kids’ activities including toys and crafts, a magician, face painting, and a special appearance by Mayor Wayne Wright who will start the market season off with a bang!

Photo: Dennis Sylvester Hurd
The 2008 market. Photo: Dennis Sylvester Hurd

We’ve asked the Seymour Artillery Society to come on board and do it up right! The Artillery Society will be providing us with authentic uniform-wearing military men from the original militia here in New Westminster, and a small 25 pound cannon, which the mayor will fire.

The market had its first year last year after a 25 year hiatus in New Westminster and it was so successful that registered vendors for this year have almost doubled. Farmers’ markets are an essential part of your local economy and by shopping at the market, you are supporting the “little guys” and you know you are getting fresh goods. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by buying goods produced / grown / made here in BC (most are from the Lower Mainland). We have over 35 vendors offering locally grown fresh produce, home-baked goods and handmade crafts.

Aside from the shopping, the Royal City Farmers’ Market encourages you to bring a blanket and hang out in the park. The market isn’t just about shopping, it’s also a great place to meet up and socialize with your friends and family. What better way to spend a summer night?

The market runs June 25 to October 8 and is on Thursdays from 3-7pm in Tipperary Park, which has got to be one of the nicest urban parks around.

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The Seymour Battery of Garrison Artillery at "The Battery" southeast of Albert Crescent in New Westminster. This photo was taken between 1878, when the men acquired spiked helmets, and 1886 when the helmets were replaced by busbies.
The Seymour Battery of Garrison Artillery at "The Battery" southeast of Albert Crescent in New Westminster. This photo was taken between 1878, when the men acquired spiked helmets, and 1886 when the helmets were replaced by busbies.

The Seymour Artillery Society will be helping us get our market started right, by escorting Mayor Wayne Wright through the market in his official Chain of Office. At the north end of the market, a waiting cannon will be blown off to signal the start of another amazing season.

You don’t want to miss this!

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Land Acknowledgement

Our market is grateful to operate on the unceded land of the Qayqayt, Kwikwetlem, and other Halkomelem speaking Peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. We acknowledge the incredible gift this land is to our market and BC Agriculture. We commit to the ongoing work of decolonization and allyship.