|
New Farmers' Market in Osoyoos |
|
|
|
2005-09- by Susan McIver -
The Osoyoos Market on Main, a new farmers' market, opened at the Town Square on Saturday, May 14th. Mayor John Slater was present along with 17 vendors and many more customers and well-wishers. "It was a wonderful day," said Carole McGhie, who initiated the concept of the market.
The idea for a market came to McGhie last summer when she took visitors on an outing to the Penticton Farmers' Market. "I love the Penticton market, but I thought we should have one of our own in Osoyoos," she said.
McGhie then emailed a number of potentially interested Osoyoos residents and groups. She received a lot of positive responses but on the Chamber of Commerce was willing to get involved at the beginning. The Chamber initially sponsored the market, which is now a member of the BC Farmers' Market Association. Penny LaMere, who was working in the Chamber office at the time, joined with McGhie to organize and promote the market.
At present, LaMere chairs the market committee responsible for running the market and is the site manager. "I'm very pleased with the response from vendors and customers alike," she said. Approximately 30 vendors are present on the busiest Sundays. They offer customers a wide selection of items such as baked goods, crafts, plants, dog treats, flowers and fresh produce. "Everything must be either home grown or home made," LaMere said. She welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in selling at the market.
"I come for the fresh produce and especially the crafts," said customer, Susan Moroz. "I also enjoy the friendly atmosphere and chatting with the vendors and other customers."
"We want the market to be a community focus," said McGhie, who is also a vendor and in charge of publicity. She explained that farmers' markets such as the ones in Penticton and now in Osoyoos help to draw people downtown and are also important in attracting tourists. To promote the downtown merchants, the market committee buys gift certificates from a different merchant each week for a prize draw on Saturday morning, at 11:00am.
The Osoyoos town council gave the market a $1,300 start-up grant. LaMere says that the council has been very supportive since they were first approached. McGhie expects the market to be bigger and better next year. "The highlight of this first season has been how well we've been received by all residents of Osoyoos, not just our customers."
Looking to the future, LaMere and McGhie want the market to provide funds for a bursary for high school students wanting to further their education. "I love this town and am glad to give something back to it," McGhie said.
When McGhie and her husband, Lou Hicks, moved to Osoyoos eight years ago from Vancouver, she immediately became involved in a variety of community activities. Born in Ontario, LaMere spent many years in the United Stares where she was an elementary school teacher. She returned to Canada eight years ago to care for her elderly parents.
The market runs through October 15, on Saturdays from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Table fees are $15 per Saturday or $225 for the season. Individuals selling prepared foods must have a food safe certificate.
For further information phone (250) 495-7731. |
