Armstrong Farmers' Market will celebrate half a century of operation Saturday

Photo: bcfarmersmarkettrail.com

It's a celebration 50 years in the making.

Hailed as B.C.'s original farmers' market, the Armstrong Farmers' Market will celebrate half a century of operation Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“The farmers' market movement is a major part of the social and business fabric of cities and towns all over B.C.,” said Armstrong Farmers' Market volunteer Russ Niles.

“There are now 140 markets that abide by the basic tenets that governed the Armstrong market when it began in a formal way in 1972 with the rule that all items for sale must be grown, made or produced by the people manning the booth.”

Niles said that rule is important because it eased the concerns of local retailers who viewed the markets as potential competition and helped convince local city councils to approve them.

Markets are now an integral part of many communities and were declared an essential service during the pandemic as a reliable source of fresh, nutritious, local food, a resource whose value was demonstrated during the shortages at local supermarkets.

“And it all started in Armstrong with a few "hippy" vendors and some local farmers looking for a new sales outlet,” Niles said.

The June 25th event has a hippy theme reflecting the roots of the movement and the times in which it was born.

The day will feature be potato golf, onion bowling and other kids games as well as a small animal petting booth and desserts made by market vendors.