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MEDIA ADVISORY
November 4, 2021
STAY FRESH THIS WINTER WITH THE VANCOUVER FARMERS MARKETS
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) will launch its 15th winter season with the Riley Park Winter Farmers Market this Saturday, November 6th, and the Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market on Sunday, November 7th.
This year, shoppers can expect to see both winter markets return to regular market operations after a successful summer of transition under the Step 3 BC Restart Plan. “Though they were necessary, the market modifications implemented last winter came with their limitations.” VFM’s Operations Manager Randy Elliott says. “Since July we have seen summer markets operate safely and successfully, without capacity restrictions and with COVID-19 protocols still in place, and are happy to see this continue into the winter months.”
A return to regular operations will mean the removal of the Riley Park Winter Market zone system, with the market occupying the same footprint as in pre-COVID years. Each week over 80 local vendors will set up on both sides of Ontario St., offering up the freshest array of BC-grown foods in the city.
Riley Park Winter will open just a day before its sister market at Hastings Park. Hosted once again at the PNE fairgrounds, the Hastings Park Market has expanded this season to offer opportunities to a number of new and diverse vendors. Shoppers can expect to find new local farms, craft beverage producers, artisanal food makers, and food trucks.
Both the Riley Park and Hastings Park Winter Farmers Markets continue to operate as essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. VFM organizers are asking the community to help them keep the markets a safe place to shop this season by following their COVID-19 protocols. A full list of VFM’s COVID-19 safety measures and FAQs can be found at eatlocal.org/covid-19-info.
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About Vancouver Farmers Markets: Founded in 1995, Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) has grown to become one of Canada's leading farmers market organizations, with nine weekly markets that see over 470,000 shoppers per year. Our markets support 250 BC farms and producers, and help keep 4,019 acres of local farmland in sustainable food production annually.
VANCOUVER FARMERS MARKETS 2021-22 WINTER SCHEDULE
| Riley Park |
Saturdays |
Nov 6-Apr 23 (closed Dec 25, Jan 1) |
10am-2pm |
30th Ave. & Ontario St. |
| Hastings Park |
Sundays |
Nov 7-Apr 24 (closed Dec 26, Jan 2) |
10am-2pm |
PNE - 2901 E.
Hastings |
More info on market dates and locations can be found on the VFM website.
VFM's COVID-19 info can be found on this page. View our COVID-19 Impact Fact Sheet here.
VFM 2021 Summer Season web graphics and market photos can be found here.
Note to editors: interview opportunities with VFM Executive Director Laura Smit available upon request.
Media contact:
Alice Briggs - District & Communications Manager
Vancouver Farmers Markets
Cel: 250-551-2292
Email: alice@eatlocal.org
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