The Rossland Community Farmers Market is inviting residents to lend a hand and volunteer for its 2023 season.
“The more the merrier,” said organizer Sarah Flood. “All the work and organizing that is needed for a successful Farmers Market have been broken down into small tasks that take a few hours a week at most.”
Last year, the market rebooted after its longstanding predecessor, the Rossland Mountain Market, shut down in 2021.
The popular market ran Wednesday afternoons at the bottom of Queen’s Street and Columbia Avenue from May to October. This year the location has not changed, but Flood says the market will move to Thursday afternoons and will likely start in June and go until October.
“We don’t really have a conflict, but the market in Nelson is on Wednesday and there are a few vendors that would like to come to our market but they are in Nelson,” said Flood. “So we switched to Thursday.”
Last season, the market had a handful of volunteers that did most of the heavy lifting. This year, Flood hopes to attract more to help set up tables, put up traffic barriers, and assist vendors.
The market is also looking for a social media savvy volunteer to post photos and information related to the vendors and events, as well as a person who can help with their financials.
“We don’t need someone who is an accountant or anything, just someone who can keep track of the money coming in. Honestly, you only have to count to 10 and that’s about it.”
The Market is also seeking another local farm to sell its fresh produce, after another moved away at the end of last season.
The benefits of Farmer’s markets are many, from food security that contributes to mental and physical health, to simply wanting fresh locally sourced vegetables, foods, beverages and flowers, as well as offering unique and original works from different artisans.
Also, with the inflated cost of groceries at the super markets, many are growing their own or sourcing fresher produce, dairy and meats from farmers markets.
Vendors do well in Rossland, and Flood says that their highest sales volume often come at the Rossland market due to an invested and health-conscious community.
She also invites vendors to join them.
“We are always looking for vendors,” said Flood. “We have a pretty solid base and a reliable customer base. They come every week and they buy what they need.”
The market also receives support from the City of Rossland and the buy it, make it, grow it community market is one of more than 145 members of the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets.
And for interested people, there will also be room for more board members and people for the market’s steering committee.
“Rossland market is an inclusive organization with a strong anti-harassment policy and we want to provide a positive and supportive space for our community,” said Flood.
“If you have an interest in food security and want to support local farmers, artisans and small businesses and love the farmers market get in touch.”
Email Sarah at rosslandcommunityfarmersmarket@gmail.com.