PENDER ISLANDS FARMERS’ MARKET

A big welcome to guest blogger Barry Mathias, a long-time Pender resident and author of the popular: The Ancient Bloodlines Trilogy. His novels, short stories and poetry are available at the Farmers' Market. He recently received an Islands Trust Community Stewardship award for establishing the Car Stops. He is a regular contributor to Seaside Times, from which the following is extracted.

The Pender Islands Farmers Market is held in the grounds of the Community Hall every Saturday from 9.30am to1pm from Easter to Thanksgiving.  It is a lively, bustling event that attracts visitors as well as locals; tables and tents are provided by a small group of enthusiastic workers who never run out of energy or smiles. In very wet weather the market moves inside the Hall, which can accommodate dozens of vendors.

A number of small farms are regularly represented at every market, and as the weather warms up other small growers appear, so that by July there is an increasing number of locals selling a variety of flowers, vegetables, fruit and eggs. Every week there are many islanders selling a delicious array of baked goods, jams, and chutneys, and hot coffee is served in the Hall. Spread throughout the market  are the artisans, who produce beautiful jewelry, pottery and wood carvings. High quality hand-made bags, intricate wooden boxes and colorful clothing compete with a number of local authors who sell their nautical and historical books, and an artist paints portraits of individual pets. 

Dianne Allison, who is a major force behind the organization of the market, explained: “There has been a Farmers’ Institute on this island for about 87 years, and it was responsible for creating the agricultural market, which was originally situated on a small strip of land at the Driftwood Mall.”  Thanks to a generous donation of land by Karl Hamson, local farmer and landowner, the impressive Community Hall was completed about ten years ago by local craftsmen led by builder, Brent Marsden. Apart from the market, the Hall and grounds provide a fine venue for agricultural events such as the Fall Fair, and for local plays, concerts and artistic productions.

Each week is different: sometimes the Volunteer Fire Fighters or members of the Coast Guard attend, willing to show off their vehicles and keen to make contact with the next generation of volunteers. Last summer, to the amazement of everyone, a large group of young, and not so young, people performed a lively flash dance which rapidly became an hilarious physical workout for anyone brave enough to take part. 

Then, there are the dogs! Dozens of them. A glorious, multifarious collection of unusual and friendly canines that add a spontaneous ‘petting zoo’ atmosphere to every event. Sometimes, farmer Ellen Willingham will appear with one of her goats; young violinists will suddenly perform an Irish jig; a party of foreign tourists will arrive and be delighted with the warmth of the welcome they receive, and always there is the buzz of commerce and the hubbub of community. Perhaps, we’ll see you there?

More Info

Pender Island Farmers’ Institute:   http://www.pifi.ca/

Pender Island Chamber of commerce:   http://www.penderislandchamber.com/