It’s the perfect formula of longtime vendors with ever-changing intriguing new merchants in an outdoor setting that adds up to the immense popularity of the Ladner Village Market.
The 27th edition opens this Sunday (June 11) and runs every other Sunday until Sept. 10.
“Over the course of the summer (and the seven market dates) we have 290 vendors of which 45 are brand new. It’s nice to see the newness coming into our market with our longtime vendors that have supported us since the beginning,” said market manager Tracey McKnight who returns with her husband Bill to spearhead the market even though they retired after closing their South Coast Casuals clothing store in the village earlier this year.
“It’s wonderful to have them [vendors] back and, of course, they progress and change their styles a bit or flavours of their different foods. It makes it a reason to come to each market and each one has different vendors as well.”
Management also ensures the market maintains a high standard with its “make it, bake it, grow it,” criteria that sees all items produced by an artisan or baker.
A typical Sunday Market will see a breakdown of the 176 vendors being 23 percent gourmet food, 18 percent home products, 12 percent fresh produce, 10 percent eatery, nine percent garden (plants/flowers), six percent jewelry and five percent local art. These numbers never waver, so the wide appeal of the market is maintained as each category has a waiting list.
“Fifty-one percent of our products must be produce, plants or prepared foods. That is one of the criteria of being a member of the B.C. Association of Farmers Market and we cover that easily,” said McKnight.
She adds the ethnic food options continues to grow with Mexican, Indian, Spanish and Japanese joining the regulars this year such as Greek and Hungarian. The market is delighted to add a frozen beef vendor from Prince George that promises to be a popular stop for many.
Musicians will be providing entertainment throughout the summer dates. Check the market website about 72 hours before each date for the line-up by visiting www.ladnervillagemarket.com.
What you need to know:
Ladner Market Village dates (all Sundays): June 11 & 25, July 9 & 23, Aug. 13 & 27, Sept 10.
Location: 48th Avenue from Elliott to Delta Street.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
