White Rock Farmers' Market

Opening Day

2011-05-05T14:00:00.001-07:00

The market will reopen for the summer season on May 29th, 2011 at the Miramar Plaza, which is just to the southwest of Johnson Road (152nd St) and Russell Ave. See you there!

Winter Markets

2010-10-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

The regular summer season is over, but please join us at two winter markets. The markets are held on Sundays, November 7th and December 5th, 9am - 1pm at the Kent Street seniors center in White Rock. It is at 1475 Kent Street, at the corner of Russell Avenue. If you know where Earl Marriot Secondary is on 16th Avenue, Kent Street heads south from there.

The (Weather) Gods are angry!

2010-09-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

It seems that way, as we have had more than our fair share of crappy weather on Sunday mornings. We had one day that we could call 'hot', a few not so hot, and a lot downright anything but hot.

Bad weather doesn't keep the dedicated customers away, but going to the market for a look round and something to do on a Sunday morning isn't what you'd pick when it is pouring rain.

Last Sunday it rained the whole time.
Yesterday it had rained early on, but wasn't raining for setup at least. Then mid morning the skies opened. Add some thunder and lightening to that, and it was just wonderful -NOT!

Thankfully, we'd left the dogs at home. Jake doesn't 'do' thunder.

Look at all the customers! Don't you wish you had been there!

Rubber boots were the footwear of choice, and we had made the right choice at least.

Thankfully it was relatively short lived.

It cleared up and was nice by the end of the market.

Unfortunately it didn't clear up in time to dry the tents out.

Keeping our fingers crossed for next Sunday, and then the two more Sundays left after that.

Just checked the weather forecast. Rain predicted for next Sunday too. Maybe I should be making umbrellas.

Let's just hope the forecast changes for the better.

Well we thought it was going to be sunny....

2010-07-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

At home on Sunday morning, it was lovely and sunny, but driving down 264th, there was a bank of marine cloud to the south, and it was also to the west, which would be the direction we were heading. By the time we stopped at the park to walk the dogs, we were under the cloud.

It was peaceful in the park, until Luna and Calli came across a fresh deer trail. Thank goodness they were on leash is all I can say. I had seen the deer bound across, but the dogs couldn't see it because the grass was so tall. But once they could smell it, well their excitement was pretty high.

I always want to take photos of the set up at the market, but we are in such a rush when we get their to be fully set up by nine, that there is never time. What makes it harder is when customers want to start buying things from about 8:30 on. That just slows you down even more, so we have started stretching a couple of bungee cords across the front of the tent to keep the early birds out. At least then we can get set up in peace. Maybe we should do it like some garage sales----Early birds pay double!!

By the time 9 am came round, we were just ready, and we actually had a little line up in front of our booth. Didn't we feel special!

Here's a shot of our little flower and veggie selection. Some things were already gone after the first rush.

The Chef's Program is in full swing.

And Sheila of Sheila's Deli and Catering Company was the chef of the day

There was a 'special' birthday this week.

Helen, (on the left) the market manager, was presented with a cake by assistant manager Deb, and I think I heard the sounds of 'Happy Birthday' being sung. I always seem to arrive after the fact.

Lookin' good for forty though, Helen!!

The lovely Vicky Sjohall was the entertainer of the day. I wonder if she was frozen. I know we weren't warm stood at our booth, as the breeze got up after a while, and we had more clothes on than she did.

And on the left, in front of the coffee tent, she is interviewed by Johan Prost, which you can see here. Not that I realized that was happening when I took this photo, it was just a fluke.

And I always have a soft spot for an Irish Setter. That was what MY first dog was. This one was gorgeous

But now my favorites are the border collies.

We usually buy some baking from Judy's Country Kitchen, to go with our coffee. Last Sunday we had some chocolate macaroons. She has a great variety of baking, and on the other side of the booth are some interesting things that would make great hostess gifts.

Colour Concepts are set up at the south end of the market. They are one of the original vendors of the market when it started back in 2000. Wonderful photography, and great pictures of all things White Rock. Hopefully there will be a vendor profile coming up shortly.

Lots of empty boxes at the back of the booths are a good sign. Sales must be going well.

The sun of course came out near the end of the market. Better then than not at all I guess.

Hooray, it was a sunny Sunday market

2010-07-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

And it looks like the coming Sunday will be sunny too. The market just has a whole different atmosphere on a sunny day, and we have waited a long time for a sunny Sunday morning.

The summer weather has got the flowers blooming, so there was quite a selection at our place to make bouquets from.

But after our bouquets were gone, there were still lots of flowers to pick from at the market

Rumi was the entertainment this week. The soothing sounds of the Pan Flute.

And next to them, Auntie had the best seat in the house.

There were monstrous dogs passing through.

And fun ways to transport little dogs

The market is a really social place for dogs and people

And if you wanted to, you could grab a cup of great coffee

And grab something to eat from a vendor, or from the Chef's Program, sit yourself down, listen to the great music, and people and dog watch

There are loads of different vegetables at the market, and the Okanagan fruit is making an appearance.

And the dogs like to get their treats from the Zodies Barkery. This is an Irish Water Spaniel, which is a dog you don't see very often. I have fun identifying the breeds:)

Some dogs just find the whole market kind of boring

But then she gets together with her family members, and they make fun geometric shapes while we pack up.

See you on Sunday in the sunshine!

Another grey Sunday, will Summer ever come?

2010-06-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we have had five markets now, and not one of them has been a lovely sunny summer type day. Today was another grey day, and we had rain as well. There has been rain on three out of five markets. Not a good average, let's hope it will improve.

But, like good wet west coasters, most people came prepared for the rain, and umbrella popped up like mushrooms.

Despite the weather, the sales were pretty brisk for us, and it's always nice when all the produce is gone by the end of the day.

The entertainment was great, and lots of people stood around listening to them, despite the weather.

Here's the dogs of the week. Not sure if they had been for a swim somewhere, as they were wetter than could be accounted for by the rain at that point. I think they are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens. Not a breed of dog you see very often.

Our dogs were pretty happy today, as they got a visit from their favourite customer.

Joy is a feisty English lady, and she loves animals. So every time she comes to the market, she visits Zodies Barkery, and buys them each a good sized biscuit. She also buys a bag of little ones for her neighbours dogs as well.

Joy was thrilled last Christmas when I send her a Merry Christmas wish, and included a picture of the dogs decked in Christmas stuff and laying under the Christmas tree. She printed it out and stuck it on her fridge. And then she did the same when I updated it with a more seasonal one in the spring.

Anyway, this is the first time this year that Joy and the dogs have been at the same market. I think she was a little disappointed that the dogs didn't recognize her voice as she was chatting to Duncan when she was buying the treats, but they came over pretty quick when they saw her and she started talking to Larry.

Here's one for you Jake

They all lined up so nicely in front of her that after she had given them the ones she had bought for them, she broke down and opened the bag of 'training treats' that she had bought for her neighbour's little dogs

What spoiled dogs!

I think she fed them half the bag.

And once again, at the end of the day, we packed up a lot of wet stuff into the truck that will have to be brought out and opened up to dry tomorrow.

Doggy Days

2010-06-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I was overly ambitious when I first started this blog, thinking that I'd be a reporter type, and be chatting to people and getting their information to pass on to you here. I've decided that I'm really not cut out for that sort of thing, and sometimes I don't have the time, or don't think about it in time, or just don't want to be bothered.

So you'll just have to settle for what you get:)

Last Sunday was Doggy Days at the market, so there was an even wider variety of dogs there than usual. Last year the 'Dog Show' was held on the grass behind the vendors directly across the roadway from where we are set up, but this year it was held on Russell Street at the far end of the market, so by the time I got myself up there, I think I missed some of it.

Last year myself with Jake and Luna, and another vendor with her two little dogs, put on a small agility demo. The crowd loved it, and I enjoyed doing it, but it was one heck of a lot of work along with trying to be a vendor there as well. Just the whole logistics thing of getting some equipment there with the two small vehicles we have, one of which is already loaded to the roof on a Sunday morning. So in the end I decided to give it a pass this year.

So here's a few of the pictures I took. There are some better ones here

A Bouvier takes a break. Ahhhhh....that cold pavement feels good on my belly

A Wire haired Daschund

A cute little Chihuahua. Don't quote me on this, but I think it won the smallest dog class.

And this one looks like a Japanese Chin.

And here's Teddy!

I'm guessing a Poodle or mix or there could be some Bichon there too.

Don't you just love how he smiles:) He looks so happeeeee

And this Poodle likes to blend into the background

The Sali group was there, doing a dog wash to raise funds.

This dog was rather reluctant to use the ramp to get into the bath. I don't blame him...

So he got the ol' heave ho and in he went

Once he was in there though, he seemed to be almost enjoying it.

And this little guy gets towelled dry after his bath. I don't know if they were using warm water or not, but it wasn't a very warm day.

Dad and daughter discuss the strategy for the kids and dogs trick class

Both little girls did an awesome job

And Judge Julia Byrnes of Sound and Furry dog training decided they were both worthy of a prize, and I agree.

Julia judged one of Calli's first ever agility runs, back in 2002

And just behind our tent, two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, yeah that's a mouthful, so they are usually just called Tollers or Duck Tollers, got acquainted. Well they did, although my photo doesn't exactly show that:)

And Jake, the fake Toller, reminded me that there were dog treats on the table, ya know, that should be handed out

Jake was happy how the day turned out though. Maya and her owner decided that he could share their frisbee, so he got in a game of fetch. And Jake looooves playing fetch.

Hey, what about me? How come I'm stuck in this freaking jail?

Guest Blogger: A Day In The Life

2010-06-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hello farmers' market shoppers! Your regularly scheduled market blogger was away this week, so I've been elected as her temporary stand in. (Although, 'elected' may be the wrong word....I am related to her after all!) :)

I'm heading into my fourth year as an employee of the White Rock Farmers' Market, and if you've stopped by the coffee/information tent during the day, you'll have seen me. I'm the one helping you out with your first dosing of caffeine for the day, and I thought I could give you a brief peek of what goes on behind the scenes of a Sunday market.

That all said, without further ado, I bring you:

A Day in the Life at the White Rock Farmers' Market

5:00 am

The alarm goes off.

5:20 am

I actually listen to the alarm, and get up to start the day.

6:15 am

Leave Abbotsford about now for the drive to White Rock. The sun is shining!

7:00 am Arrival. Work begins! Tents, tables, coffee making apparatus, and all other sorts of supplies are hauled out of storage from where we left them the week before. Most of our things are stored in Rubbermaid bins for easy hauling. Milk, cream, bottled water, and juice are stored in the cooler. Vendors start arriving at this point to set up their spaces.

7:15 am

Market staff start asking me if coffee is ready yet. I tell them: Yes it is, if they want it in the form of dried grounds. Someone rushes off to arrange for the water.

7:30 am Still busy setting up the coffee tent. We get power to the machines and the water jugs filled. See photographic evidence that tired people get a little bit silly when a camera is involved. Clouds roll in.

7:45 am Coffee machines are heated up. I start the first batches of coffee.

8:00 am The first coffee is ready to go by this point, and has been drunk. I start making more to fill up the carafes.

8:30 am Find out that our coffee shipment for this week has been sent to Calgary instead of White Rock. Will not have bags of coffee to be sold today....and may not even have enough coffee ground to make it to 1:00 pm.

9:00 am Official opening time for the market. Vendors are set up, vehicles moved out, customers start to arrive to find their purchases. Today, we have some lovely jazz music provided by Duolocity.

10:00 am The market is in full swing by this point, and our two coffee makers are pumping out coffee as fast as we can make it.

10:20 am It rains. Since we live in BC, customers come prepared. Umbrellas magically appear. The market goes on whether its rain or shine, and luckily for us today, the rain only lasts for an hour or so.

11:30 am Realize we are running out of water. Can't have coffee without it! Run off to fill up the jugs.

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Another Sunday passes by in a blur of customers old and new, sales and purchases, and many many pots of coffee. Cream and milk are refilled, spills are wiped up, more sugar put out, cups and lids restocked, questions answered, spills are wiped up, explain that our coffee shipment is in Calgary so we unfortunately don't have bags to sell this week, spend some talking with customers, more cream is purchased, more spills are wiped up.

1:00 pm Closing time for us, although the few customers who are still shopping are more than welcome! We begin to take down everything and pack it back into bins and take it off to storage. Vendors begin to pack up. The once lively market space becomes a slightly uncoordinated attempt at everyone getting vehicles and products in and out of a space too small to contain them all at the same time.

2:00 pm All finished. It takes a lot of work from market staff and vendors to make the day run smoothly! And now its time for me to head home and rest after a long day. And time to look ahead to doing it all again next week. And....the sun has reappeared to make for a lovely drive home!

See you all again next weekend!

Your Coffee Captain & Girl Behind the Camera,

Meredith

Salish by the Sea

2010-06-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this past Sunday's market started out kind of wet, which was quite a change to what had been predicted earlier in the week. It was a different day for me, as I was on my own. Larry had stayed home as he is recovering from the 'flu, or something like that. We don't often get colds even, but this, whatever it was, hit him pretty hard.

I had wanted to get to the market quite early, since obviously it was going to take me longer to get setup, being on my own. Although (no offense Larry!), it didn't take me twice as long. You know, sometimes it is just easier with one, as then you are never at cross-purposes with anyone. I did have a few offers of help, but I always say that it would take me longer to explain how to do it than it would to take to do it myself. And...I have had years of practice setting up by myself at other markets, although we have always both gone to the White Rock one.

This time though, I took the bold? step of stretching a couple of bungee cords between the two front legs of the tent, to keep those early bird shoppers out. Sometimes you get people wanting to buy things from 8:30 on, and if you keep getting interrupted, it takes forever to set up. Meredith came and helped me a little bit. I did have to ask one customer to come back a bit later, but since the weather was not so great, there weren't as many early shoppers.

Yesterday was a First Nations Celebration.

This group marched through the market a couple of times, chanting and keeping time with their drums

After you admire the beautiful button blankets, check out the chivalrous fellow at the back right, holding the umbrella over his lady!

By this time the weather had dried up and the sky had brightened, and people gathered round to watch the entertainment.

There was an intricate model of a Salish fishing settlement on display

Fish drying racks

Say hello to mother, daughter and grandaughter, Gail, Katherine and Luka. They come to the market almost every week, and like to buy eggs and jam from us (Wyndson Farm), tomatoes from Celyddon Farms, and baked goods from Fieldstone Bakery, European Bakery, and Bread Affair. They also like to buy jewellry from the vendors at the market. Their chocolate Labrador Retriever loves the dog cookies they bring home from Zodie's Barkery.

And Happy early Birthday to Luca, who turns 5 later in June!

Speaking of Zodies Barkery, they provided me with with a bit more entertainment when they folded up their tent wall. That thing looks huge!

Unfortunately just before the market ended, the rain started again. Us vendors were NOT PLEASED to have to pack up in the rain, and load up our wet tents.

But to end on a cute note, get a look at this little golden retriever puppy.

Awwwwww!

Vendor - Zodie's Barkery

2010-06-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Eileen Hardwick (on the left in the photo) and Susan McLachlan also have been with the White Rock Farmers' Market since the beginning.

They started out the first year selling various types of gift baskets. They really did not have a successful season, but Eileen noted that the homemade doggy treats that she kept in her pocket to hand out to the visiting dogs were very much appreciated. The next year they took a leap of faith and dropped the gift basket plan, and went totally with the home made dog treats, and have been successful with that ever since.

They are at White Rock most weeks, but with the help of husbands Rick and Duncan, also sell their treats at the Ladner Market. They are kept busy at the end of the year attending Christmas craft fairs.

They offer treats in different sizes and flavours, including peanut butter, cheese, liver, garlic and wheat free.

Presently, Rick and Eileen own Jadie, a black Lab, and Susan and Duncan own Winston the Boxer and Zoe the Boston Terrier.

The name of their business came from combining Zoe's name with the name of the Eileen and Rick's previous black Lab, Sadie

A patient Pug waits for her owners to make a choice

Hmmmm, which ones would my dog like?

And an interesting looking dog, shepherd/bassett cross? (my guess) takes advantage of the water bowl they put out.

And because I am a touch 'evil' I had to include this photo. Well especially because Eileen said I had better not....

Let's just say they haven't quite mastered the art of taking their tent down yet. Another vendor came to help...

But they figure they will have it down pat by the end of the season:)

Stop and by and get your dog a bone!

The market is open for the season

2010-05-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

The first market of the season dawned clear and sunny. Well, someone told me that is what it was like at 6 am in White Rock, but when we got there, despite seeing the odd breaks of blue sky on the way, it was basically cloudy, and that it is really how it stayed for the whole market. A bit breezy too, but it is a rare day there isn't a breeze or a wind at the market. We always have to remember to take enough clothes for a 10 degree weather difference between home and White Rock, as that wind can sure make it feel cold after standing there all morning. We stopped at the tree farm along 16th ave and gave the dogs their usual pre-market walk. It sure didn't feel like 7 1/2 months since we walked around there. Even the dogs didn't seem that excited.

There is a new rule this year that no vehicles are allowed onto the market site after 8:30, so most of the vendors were being very good and were set up quite early yesterday. In fact the place looked too quiet after 8:30, as usually there are still vehicles parked there and people bustling around getting set up, as well as those customers that insist on getting there waaay too early wandering around.

Anyway, the market started off kind of quietly but then really picked up as the morning went on and it got a bit brighter. I don't know about other vendors, but we had a great day!

The lovely Mayor of White Rock, Catherine Ferguson, along with the market manager, Helen Fathers, on her right, and assistant manager Deb, cut the ribbon and declared the market open for the 11th season. And Helen and Deb, you're lovely too:)

The entertainment Token Rhyme was good, and the kiddos were getting into the swing of it.

I did realize that it was a bit hard to get around and take photos at times, as when we are busy, it takes the two of us to deal with it all, and to keep the jam stocked up on the shelves. So despite great intentions, I didn't do all I had planned to do for this blog post, but I guess you're just gonna get what I get around to getting!

Thanks to David Webb for taking some of the photos here.

This is Chase. He is 12 years old, and said to be a border collie, husky, wolf cross. He belongs to The Granola King, who was set up a couple of tents over from us.
Chase, like his owner I think, is a free spirit:) Chase mostly hung around on the grass behind the tents. He felt it was his job to greet new dogs coming in to the market, but he wasn't pushy about it, and seemed to have a good handle on dog language. Luna showed him her pearly whites numerous times. He got the message:)

I heard later that Chase likes to wear a crown like his buddy The Granola King, and also that he gives really good hugs (Chase that is) although maybe the Granola King does too. Next time Chase is at the market, I'll have to see if I can get him to demonstrate.

We had brought an x-pen to keep the dogs in on Sunday. Booooorrrrriiiinnnnggg they say. Nice that we didn't have to worry about the them at all, although Jake is never a problem, he is such a good dog. Luna and Calli, well although pretty good, leave a bit to be desired some times. Luna, with her issues with strange dogs and people, needs more supervision. She seemed to be a bit 'bitchy' yesterday, but hopefully that will improve.

We were set up again next to Zodies Barkery, so I got some information about them. My next post will be a profile on them.

A cute Nova Scotia Duck Toller straining to get at something edible someone dropped on the ground. Now if I had a dollar for everytime I've been asked if Jake is a Duck Toller......

At the end of the day, a couple of the bakeries went around handing out some of the their left over bread, so thanks Fieldstone Bakery for the treat.

Coffee Queen Meredith came over to ask if we wanted any more coffee before she dumped the urns. As she came I was adding, in my head, a column of jam prices up. So she started calling out numbers and of course I lost my concentration and the total, and had to start over again. So here is my revenge.

Do you think she could have been more coordinated? I must have picked that coffee cup with her in mind.

Isn't it a parents job to embarrass their older children? I think it's payback for what we have put up with over the years.

PS You can click on any photo to make it larger.

Just another day to go!

2010-05-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

We're looking forward to seeing all the old and new customers and vendors on Sunday!

One of the oldest vendors just happens to be us. Well oldest as in having attended the market the longest, not in age I don't think:) Larry and I (Karen) of Wyndson Farm having been vendors at the market from the year it started in 2001, and have missed only a handful of market days since then.

We live on a 10 acre hobby farm with some animals, and grow produce that we sell at the markets. I also make jams and jellies, some fabric items and bring some 'country bouquets' and free range eggs to the market. You can read about us and our animals and what we do, in fact more than you probably want to know, at the link above or in the sidebar on the right.

I can also introduce you to some 'Market Dogs' Meet Calli, Jake and Luna, who come to the market with us each week.

Calli is a 10 year old lab mix that we have had since she was 9 weeks old

Jake is the red and white border collie. He is almost 6, and we adopted him when he was 8 months old.

Luna(tic) is the black and white border collie who is 2 1/2, and we adopted her when she was a year old.

Our dog's favourite thing about the market is probably the walk they get at Campbell Valley Park on the way to White Rock on Sunday morning. Next would probably be being set up next to Zodies Barkery (we were last year, not sure about this year yet), and the dog treats that seemed to come their way.

On Sunday mornings they know what is going on, and can't wait to get in the truck and get going. (Calli and Jake ride in the back seat area)

See you at the market!

Less than four days to go!

2010-05-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

The first market of the summer season is this Sunday!!! Come and check out the vendors, have a cup of coffee, grab a seat and listen to the music. 'Token Rhyme' will be playing at the market this Sunday. Go to the link, click on one of the green arrows, and listen to a sample of their music. Hope to see you there!

Free Advertising

2010-05-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

You've gotta like any free advertising. There was a story about Farmers Markets in the Vancouver Sun today. Read that story here What the link doesn't show was a list of Metro Vancouver markets that was included in the newspaper article, and the dates and times of White Rock's market were there. You've gotta like that!

Hold onto your hats...

2010-05-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Because if it's windy, they might blow off while you are jumping up and down with excitement because the farmers market is coming!!! Only 12 days to go, and the excitement is building. There will be an expansion of the market onto Russell Avenue this year. Opening day May 30 (9am - 1pm) will see approximately 50 vendors at the market.

. Check to see if your favourite vendor will be there.

AJI Products

Alex the Woodman (Wood Products)

Applebarn Farms (peppers)

Baroness Hats
Biota Organic/Biodiverse Farm
Brainfood Snacks
Celydon Organic Farms
Christina's Garden (herbs, cut flowers)

Coffee Tent (San Miguel Fair Trade Coffee)

Colour Concept (photography)
Copeland Pies (pies, lasagnas)
Cropthorne Farm
Dingolay Jewellery
Distinctive Perennials
European Breads
Fieldstone Bakery
Fresh off the Boat (fish)
From the Earth Organic Farm
Gems in Bloom (Jewellery)
Gesundheit Bakery
Glen Valley Organic Farm
Goats Pride Organic Dairy (cheese)
Gold Valley Bee Co. (honey)
Granola King
Hello Friends Bakery
HG Farms
J & J Country Kitchen (diabetic pickles)
JGN Jewellery
Judy's Country Kitchen  (baked goods)
Leslies' Metal Work
M and N Enterprises
Maluma Bison (bison products)
Maan Farms (fresh produce)
Miss Bossy Boots (children's wear)
Natural Village (farm)
Outwest Ranches (local beef )

Papers by Margaret

Pearl Restaurant

PurpleLinen

Richmond Specialty Mushrooms

Schatzi (bath and body products)

Simply Delish Soups

Smakage Sugar Bakery

Thai Sauce Lady

The Cranberry Lady

Tromell Greenhouses

Wyndson Farm (jams, eggs, greens, flowers, sewing)

Zodies Barkery (dog treats)

Mark it on your calendar and be sure to come to the market on May 30. Join us in celebrating the start of another season, and have a cup of the best coffee around. We hope to see you there!