Steveston winter farmers market returns for sixth year

Steveston’s winter food and artisan market will be setting up shop at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site for the sixth year.

The market, operated by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society and under the leadership of new market manager Julia Sargeant, returns on Sunday, Oct. 6, with the farmers market set to feature local food, products and objects as well as seasonal events for all ages.

Some seasonal events include the Festival of Trees (Dec. 1, 8 and 15 markets) and Santa visiting Steveston (Dec. 1 market), with a photo-op inside the Boiler House Theatre, said Mimi Horita, spokesperson for the cannery society. The market will also celebrate Valentines and Easter at the markets closet to those dates.   

“We are proud to celebrate the sixth year of this unique winter market,” said Stephanie Halapija, the cannery society’s executive director, in a press release. “It supports our local small businesses, vendors and community while offering an interesting heritage experience for marketgoers.”

There will also be a series of Food Skills Workshops, offered by the cannery society in partnership with the Richmond Food Security Society. These workshops will include pickling and fermentation, plant-based holiday cooking and healthy snacks.

“This focus on sustainability, community connections and the passion of our staff and volunteers makes the market a truly spectacular and meaningful event,” Halapija added.

Vendors from around the Lower Mainland will set up shop at the market, and must all have products produced within this region, said Horita.

During the first four markets, there will be local, fresh produce from Richmond’s Sharing Farm, which will reappear in spring — as long as the farm is producing (as nature allows), said Horita.

For winter foods, the market will have a “good representation of baked goods, including the popular French bakery La Baguette et Compagnie,” and other bakers, Horita added. Ladner Artisan Chocolates is also set to return to the farmers’ market.

Admission to the market is free. Guided heritage tours of the national historic site are available by donation. For more information, visit CanneryFarmersMarket.org

This year’s market will be held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

• Oct. 6
• Oct. 20
• Nov. 3
• Nov. 17
• Dec. 1
• Dec. 8
• Dec. 15
• Feb. 9
• Feb. 23
• March 8
• March 22
• Apr. 5
• Apr. 19