Kitsilano Farmers Market

The Vancouver Farmers Markets society organizes summer markets in four locations and one winter market. This past Sunday was the second Kitsilano market of the season, and we rode our bikes down to forage and absorb some sunshine. As usual, the Bicycle Valet provided us with secure bike parking.

There are many reasons to support your local farmers market, such as preserving arable land, reducing impact on the environment, healthier food, keeping money in the local economy, but the main reason we go is for fun.

If you've never been to a farmers market before, there's so much to do, and you don't have to spend a lot of money or even any at all.

With our cool and wet spring, a lot of the fresh vegetables available were from greenhouses.

Naturally, there were many preserves and foodstuffs that are available year-round ...

like honey,

and eggs.

There were plenty of non-food related vendors as well. We were too busy looking at the amazing jewellery, handbags, woodwork and more, that we forgot to take photos! Entertainment was provided by this talented guitarist,

by a face painter for the children, or just an empty space on the pavement.

Did we mention that farmers markets are dog friendly?

Four food trucks were in attendance. GoGo Java sells coffee and other enticing beverages. La Bohème Crêperie dishes up amazing savoury and sweet buckwheat crepes.

Off the Wagon, offers organic, gluten-free tacos with at least one vegan option.

Roaming Dragon Food Truck serves Asian inspired sandwiches and tapas.

We hauled home some great stuff, including these lovely olives from Dundarave Olive Company,

and some beautiful organic mushrooms from Hui's Farm.

We've been hearing rumours of additional farmer markets opening, and one potential site is in Kerrisdale. That would be too exciting to contemplate.