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THIS WEEK AT THE
MARKET
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Extra hours
this Saturday (9:00 to 3:00) as we celebrate Berry Beat Festival
in the downtown, www.downtownabbotsford.com
and click on the events tab for details.
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Some
Raspberries and the first of the Blueberries in the market
now.
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Strawberries
are nearing the end of their season. Grab some this Saturday to
avoid disappointment.
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Cherries have
arrived.
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Lots of cut
flowers available now.
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Entertainment
courtesy Sylvan le Musician.
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Are you a Vegan interested in
raw foods?
Introductory
Raw Food Uncooking Class offered in July click
here
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What to Expect
A common question from people who hear
about the market is "what can I expect when I get there?" Here are
some of the little things that will make this market "the place to be
on Saturday mornings":
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Shelter
Community tents provided by Prospera
Credit Union, the Hospice Society and Summer Games Legacy. |
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Parking
2000 parking spaces are available in the downtown core for
your convenience. Market-goers may also park along
downtown streets. |
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Fast Cash
ATM available nearby. |
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Entertainment
main stage and "busker-style" local musicians. |
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Fresh
Local Produce |
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Great
Prepared Foods from BC |
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Unique
Artwork |
Market Day
Its Saturday morning, and colourful tents dot
Montrose Avenue from George Ferguson Way to Pine Street in Historic Downtown Abbotsford. Local produce
growers, small-scale food producers, and creative artisans have just
completed the finishing touches on their booths, and not a minute
too soon. The shoppers have arrived, browsing among the aromatic
baked goods and vibrant salad greens, the colorful handmade soaps
and harvest-fresh apples. A local band breaks out in song.
Welcome to the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market.
Founded in 2004 by a partnership which included Community Futures
South Fraser, Abbotsford Downtown Business Association and Tourism
Abbotsford, the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market quickly established
itself as the premiere market in the Fraser Valley for locally grown
and made products. Quality standards for the Market are high and all
products must be grown, processed, baked or handmade in British
Columbia. Vendors are approved by an adjudication process and there are a
wide range of products, some of which change with the seasons as
fresh harvests are brought in.
Market Manager Bruce Fatkin says that the secret to the success of
the AFCM is the very high level of community support in Abbotsford.
Local business and industry, the City of Abbotsford, Downtown
Business Association, Community and Service clubs, volunteers,
vendors and our customers all contribute. They all help to make this
one of the most vibrant and exciting Markets in BC.
"At a time when most developed societies depend on third world food
sources," Fatkin says, "British Columbia Is fortunate enough to
produce 50% of its own food. A major reason for this is the rich
agricultural areas like Abbotsford, which alone produces 25% of the
$500,000,000 British Columbia annual agricultural output. And, at a
time when most agricultural regions depend on one, or a few, crops,
the variety of products from Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley is
truly astonishing. Almost all experts agree that the food that is
best for you (and the most delicious) is the food grown close by.
This is a chance to have some of that best food and meet some of the
people who grow, process and prepare it."
Visitors can expect the offerings to change with the seasons, moving
from spring produce like rhubarb and berries, to artichokes and such
exotics as tomatillos and miniature melons though to Fall bounties
of beets and other root vegetables, pumpkins, apples, and fresh
cranberries.
Put it on your calendar and we'll
"see you at the market"!
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Every Saturday,
through October 31 in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.
9:00
am to 1:00 pm
Montrose Avenue - North of George Ferguson Way, next to United
Church and across from the old Post Office. (further info on Maps and
Directions
page)
Market Newsletter
For a taste of the Saturday morning action at the Abbotsford Farm &
Country Market, please check out the following editions of the
Market Thymes newsletter
Some of the Sights from the Market!
-pictures
courtesy Mark Forsythe from Almanac on CBC Radio One.
Looking
forward to another fabulous summer!
The 2008 outdoor season set new records for participation by both vendors and customers.
We added some great new vendors and welcomed hundreds of customers who had not previously used
the market as part of their weekly shopping. In fact the market
enjoyed over 20% growth.
Marketing trend experts and agricultural industry leaders are
telling us to expect even more growth in 2009. As the "downturn
in the economy" continues you as consumers are increasingly
interested in value for your dollar. With each new food scare,
especially around imported products, you are turning to local products
that offer the security of traceability. You want to know where and
how your food is grown and processed. Farmers markets can help with
all that. Plus you get to speak directly to the people who are
supplying these safe, nutritious products.
For the vendors, farmers' markets, including Abbotsford, are a great place to test new products, diversify
income, and interact directly with customers in a relaxed, friendly
setting. Vendors find markets invaluable for promoting their
businesses to boost year-round and non-market day sales. Vendor applications are welcome.
Application forms are available here: .
Entertainers WANTED for 2009!
With a heavy daily customer turn-out, the Market provides an
excellent venue for entertainers to practice in front of live
audiences, promote themselves and have some fun.
Friends of the Market
Want to be part of the Market?
Are you interested in being a part of the Abbotsford Farm &
Country Market, but you do not make, bake, or grow your own unique
product?
Would you like to take part in this fun, exciting new venture,
meet new people, and help out your community?
If you answered yes to these questions, we have an opportunity
for you!
If you would like to volunteer for the Abbotsford Farm &
Country Market, there are positions available if you are
interested in being:
Part of our marketing team,
A Host/Hostess at our information booth, performing
customer counts & surveys,
Part of the set-up/clean-up crew
Community Booth
Are you a community organization looking to
publicize you resources and services?
If so, YOU ARE INVITED to submit an application for a time slot
at the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market Community Booth. The
booth will be available every week to a community group or
organization. If your organization would like great public
exposure, or if you would simply like to be a part of this
exciting market, please download the Community Booth application
below.
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