White Rock Farmers' Market's 13th season opener on Sunday (May 27) in the uptown area between the White Rock Community Centre and Russell Avenue was an unqualified success, according to market manager, Helen Fathers.
"It was great," said Fathers, who is also a White Rock councillor. "We had around 3,000 people there through the day, which was unbelievable. It was definitely one of our better ones. We had the most ever vendors – 65, plus five non-profits – and the best coffee sales day we've ever had, which is always an indicator."
While late-morning sunshine was credited with helping boost attendance at the 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. event, Fathers said the market has become a destination for the public.
"A lot come to shop at the market, no matter what the weather is like," she said.
The market offers locally-grown produce, baked goods, preserves and garden products such as bedding plants, hanging baskets and flowers, along with many specialty food items such organic cheese, local seafood and fair-trade coffee.
The opening day event featured entertainment by singer Chanel Stasiuk. Coming up June 3 is music by Sonic.
The market season, 20 weeks in all, runs Sundays through Oct. 7.