Vernon Farmers' Market — Attraction in Vernon

Well this is my first attempt at writing a real blog…at first I was a bit apprehensive until I realized what an awesome topic I have to write about….It’s easy to find a myriad of flavorful comments about The Vernon Farmers Market.

After parking in the spacious lot, strolling through the Market I quickly come to realize the uniqueness and diversity of our region plus a few Canadian specialties thrown in. I am eagerly anticipating the first, fresh, crisp asparagus of the season along with an array of new baby veggies. And very soon the aroma of sweet strawberries and dark red cherries will fill the air. You’ll find jars of goodness from Olga’s Preserves and zesty smoked sausage and jerky from Smokey Ray’s. I’m inspired to think and feel healthier especially after discovering Back To Earth’s Weeds & Seeds Cereal, local walnuts, fresh picked herbs and even the possibility of growing my own vegetables after getting some planting tips from Rachelle at Zelaney Farms. I notice a group of kids, one with carrot in hand, one with a muffin running enthusiastically to the Bouncy Castle and I look to see if the resident face-painter is close by. My treasure hunt continues with literally 100’s of great gift ideas such as a piece of hand-crafted jewelry for Mother’s Day or a set of ash-glazed pottery mugs for that wedding coming up this summer. I top off my morning with a cup of fresh drip-through coffee and a yummy slice of poppy-seed cake although I had a hard time choosing between that and a whole package of gingersnap cookies from Fred’s Breads and Bakery. Next time I’ll opt to stay for lunch…….now just to decide which delicious concession to order from.

With the change of the seasons and the multitude of cheerful vendors, every Market Day can be a new and exciting experience. Walking outside, meeting new people, lively chatter, enjoying fresh air, eating good food, listening to music, supporting your local economy and buying handmade are all in a morning’s visit to the Vernon Farmer’s Market. I feel so welcome here and I hope you will too!

Kal Tire Place Parking Lot...

I’ve lived in Vernon with my family for a couple of years now and decided it was time to check out the Vernon Farmers’ Market for the first time as my son wants to be a vendor. It’s an averages sized market open twice a week with probably about 50-60 vendors. Nothing really stood out to me - very typical selection of vendors.

But then a market volunteer approached me and told me I was not allowed to take photos while at the Vernon Farmers’ Market and insisted I delete them all from my phone. Rather than arguing with her about why they were taken as I intended to show them to my son in preparation for the summer and potentially becoming a vendor - seeing as he is still in school during market hours - I just left. Not sure if I will ever return as a customer or a vendor. You never get a second chance to make a great first impression.

I hear the Polson Park Friday Night Market is a lot more fun, friendly and current.

I may or may not have recovered those...

Ok, let me start by saying that I love farmer's markets. Ok, now on to the Vernon Farmer's Market. This time of year there are lots of craft vendors and stalls selling seedling plants, there are also some vendors who have some carrots and potatoes, micro greens, honey, local wine, frozen chicken and a couple of food vendors. I've lived in Vernon for 2 years now, my first year going to the market was great, last year - no so much. I found that a lot of the vendors had raised their prices for produce and there wasn't a great selection as their were multiple vendors selling the same items. In June and July the market is at its peak with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and more food vendors selling smoothies, samosas and artisan breads. Go support the...