2005 News

Farmer's Market every Sunday!

June 17, 2005

By Nicole Fitzgerald

Changes aim to improve crowd control, making shopping more convenient
It is that time of year again, when artisans and farmers unite into a flurry of sights, sounds and smells every Sunday at the Whistler Farmers’ Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Whistler’s Upper Village, starting Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19.

“It is sort of exciting,” said Jordan Sturdy, a board member since the market’s inception 12 years ago.
“It is action packed. It is nice to get all the customers in there wandering around all at once. There is a bunch of activities for kids, music and entertainers.
“Also, the product at the market tends to be organic or pretty damn close. If you have any questions about production, you can ask the vendor. You can’t do that at (the supermarket). It is just fun to go and see what is new. It is like having a little fair every Sunday.”

Sturdy remembers when the market began in Pember ton. He said Whistler latched onto the idea and the Pemberton market faded into the background while the Whistler market grew from 10 vendors to its current capacity of 85. Nicole Ronayne, market manager, said the market is becoming more and more popular and vendors, mainly artisans, have to be turned away.

“It is never farmers or food products — just artists,” she said.
“Each year we get more interest. We give preference to people from the Sea to Sky corridor and (returning vendors).”

Everything from potatoes, lettuce and seasonal berries, to baked goods, preserves and breads filter in from all over the Sea to Sky corridor. Then, of course, there are the artisans with jewelry, hats, scarves, paintings, photography and practically everything you can think of. Each year, thousands of people stroll through the Upper Village to partake in the festivities. The crowds have grown to such proportions that organizers have made some slight revisions and additions to this year’s market to better f acilitate the crowds.
Grant Cousar, last year’s market president, said the layout this year will help to spread the crowds across the pedestrian walkway. A Veggie Valet will allow shoppers to pick up their treasures of the day conveniently at curbside, with their packages held for them while shoppers retrieve their cars.

“With a couple of armloads of stuff, you can’t shop anymore, so we wanted to make it easier for people,” Sturdy said.

Organizers hope the valet will encourage more local shoppers. Additional parking will also be provided this year. Sturdy said there will be diagonal parking along Blackcomb Way to handle more vehicles. Vendors are being asked to park in the day lots.

“Parking has been a problem in the past,” Sturdy said.
“As time has gone on, it has become more challenging for local customers to come. Hopefully this year we will see more locals coming out.”

Also new this year is a “Community” and “Whistler Farmers’ Market Presents” tents. One not-for-profit organization per week can use the community tent to fundraise. The community group need only pay $18 for membership. The Whistler Farmers’ Market Presents tent will showcase artists of every description — whether it is artists painting live or chefs sharing the secrets of their kitchens.

To check out a preview of what is to come, visit www. whistlerfarmersmarket.org.