Love the Farmer’s Market? Prove it with a self shot of yourself enjoying your favourite aspect of fresh, farmed and local.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets launched its BC-wide It Feels Better at the Farmers’ Market campaign and Farmers’ Market Selfie contest, in efforts to raise public awareness andentice market ‘newbies’ to discover Farmers’ Markets.
So far, eight Gold Pan City market lovers have submitted their selfie, with voting available online until July 21 on their Facebook page, search: BC Farmers Markets.
“Over the last several years, we’ve seen a 62 per cent increase in the number of markets in B.C.” Executive Director at the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets Elizabeth Quinn said.
“There’s no doubt people are becoming increasingly passionate about buying local, in-season food and locally produced goods. With this campaign, we want to build on this growing enthusiasm in BC by reaching out to those who might not know that the markets offer much more than food – they offer an experience that feels amazing.”
Across B.C., there are more than 125 farmers’ markets. In addition to locally grown food and locally made products, the markets offer a surprising variety of community activities such as live music, children’s activities, cooking classes, artisan workshops and much more.
It’s not uncommon in the Gold Pan City to see hula hoop lessons, artisans perfecting their craft, and children playing in the free Hullabaloo Hut.
“Our family loves the Quesnel Farmers’ Market. It is part of our weekend ritual of stuff to do in Quesnel,” contest entrant April Webb said.
“The kids noticed one of the contest fliers at the market on the weekend and we went around snapping ‘selfies’ to submit.
“The farmers and crafters of Quesnel are fantastic – thank you to all of those producers and dedicated people for making the market amazing - our family and hundreds of others greatly appreciate all your hard work.”
A few other market favourites from Gold Pan entrants:
Chelsea: “Fresh local produce, friendly people, and home made treasures! If you go, you’re bound to have a good time and find something great.”
Sonya: “We love the live music, fresh produce, handmade crafts and jewelry! And love the perogies and bannock.”
“British Columbians go to a farmers’ market to enjoy the high quality foods produced in their communities, and for the conversations and relationships they can have with people who grow our food,” B.C. Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick said.
“Farmers’ markets have a unique and festive atmosphere, and I look forward to seeing the creative ways British Columbians capture and share their experiences through this contest.”
Winners receive a Bernardin home canning kit and a $50 market voucher. By voting you can also win a market coucher.