The new Esquimalt Farmers Market joins a growing list of summer markets in the region catering to consumers hungry for locally grown produce, artisan wares and food vendors.
The market, which has a roster of between 25 and 35 vendors, features farmers, crafters, food trucks, musicians and other vendors. It joins a growing trend of farmers, artists, entertainers and other vendors who have set up shop in 18 open-air markets in the region.
Markets can be found from Bastion Square in downtown Victoria, to Sidney, Sooke and as far afield as Salt Spring Island. Goods for sale include fresh, locally grown veggies, jewelry, clothing, outdoor furniture, baked goods and prepared food.
“Our aim is that the market will become a community hub and venue, where residents and community groups have the opportunity to engage and share ideas.” said Katrina Duwilt, founder of the Esquimalt Farmers Market, “It’s been a lot of work for our small team, but it is definitely paying off as we see the success and the need for a market here in our small community.”
While markets usually draw crowds for produce, some have a different appeal, such as the Thursday night market in Sidney, which attracts thousands of people every week with an eclectic mix of retailers, farmers, buskers and food vendors.
Most markets are open air and confined to summer-only operation. But Moss Street Market, one of the oldest and largest in the region, took a step last fall toward year-round operation, staging a winter market indoors at the Fairfield Community Centre. Farmers sold a palate of winter greens and augmented their offerings with locally sourced meat and cheese.
“The winter market was a greater success than any of us ever imagined,” said Kyle Goulet, manager for the market, open Saturdays at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Moss Street. “From Day 1, the market was packed with people for three hours straight. It was such a no-brainer we all were shaking our heads why we didn’t do it earlier.”
With changes to the liquor laws, Moss Street Market now offers liquor tastings and sales. Eleven liquor vendors now rub shoulders with the more than 25 organic farmers at the market. The tasting room is in the Garry Oak Room at the Fairfield Community Centre, with tastings and sales of beer, wine and cider, as well as spirits, such as vodka and whisky.
The Esquimalt Farmers Market runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Thursday until Sept. 3 at the Esquimalt Town Square, 500 Park Pl. For information, go to esquimaltmarket.com.
> To see an interactive map of all the summer markets, go to timescolonist.com/markets
Let your inner goddess run wild
Celebrate your inner goddess at the fourth annual Victoria Goddess Run, a five-kilometre, 10K and half marathon event on Sunday.
The races are for women only. But everyone is welcome to cheer on the runners and enjoy other activities, including an outdoor concert featuring 54-40 and Daniel Lapp Trio.
“This outdoor concert will be a first for Bear Mountain Resort,” said Cathy Noel, race director. “The space can accommodate up to 1,200 people, so it’s large enough for that festival feel but small enough to bring a personal touch to the concert.
“Amazing food from the chefs at the hotel along with a beer and wine garden will make the event a first-class affair.”
There will be activities throughout the weekend, with a race expo, sunset yoga, a Speaker’s Series breakfast and a Bathrobe Run for adults and a Kids Run.
Registration for the race is $70. The kids race, the bathrobe race and the sunset yoga cost $20 and breakfast is $25. Registration is capped at 2,400 racers. Tickets for the
54-40 concert are available through TicketRocket and are $30 plus fees.
Race package pick up begins at noon on Friday.
The bathrobe run/walk starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 54-40 will perform from 5-8 p.m.
Races begin at 8 a.m. Sunday.
Activities on Friday and Saturday take place at the Westin Bear Mountain, 2050 Country Club Way, with events moving to Westhills Arena,
1089 Langford Parkway on Sunday.
For information and start times, go to victoriagoddess.com.
Competitive cycling series helps fund local bike projects
Watch more than 300 cyclists in five races during three days at the Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series from Friday to Sunday.
The series, presented by Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence, is one of the most prestigious competitive cycling events in Western Canada, attracting more than 5,000 spectators.
Events include the Peninsula Co-op Sprint Challenge, Cheemo Perogies Cycling Classic, Russ Hays/Accent Inns Grand Prix (which includes an under-13 and under-15 race), Tim Hortons Timbits Challenge and the VW Victoria Celebrity Relay.
Proceeds from the event will be managed by the Russ Hays Racing Cycle Club Society, a not-for-profit group that will provide financial grants to local cycling development projects and programs.
Registration is $25 to $65 and free for youth races.
The Sprint Challenge starts at 4 p.m. on Friday at Western Speedway, 2207 Millstream Rd.
The Classic starts with non-elites/masters at 7:30 a.m. and elites at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Hans Helgesen Elementary School, 4983 Rocky Point Rd., Metchosin.
The first group of the Grand Prix starts at 8 a.m. Sunday to do up to 50 laps around the B.C. Legislature on Belleville Street.
The youth race starts at 10:20 a.m., The Timbits event at 11 a.m. and a celebrity bike relay at 11:35 a.m.
For information, go to victoriabikerace.com.
Make World Oceans Day a whole weekend of family fun
Get your feet wet around the Capital Region this weekend to celebrate World Oceans Day (Monday) — a time to appreciate the aquatic ecosystem that surrounds us.
The event, first proposed by Canada in 1992, has been recognized by the United Nations since 2008. It garners global participation every year.
Learn how local watersheds connect to the ocean and what you can do to keep our ocean healthy at World Oceans Day at the Gorge Waterway Nature House in Esquimalt Gorge Park on Saturday.
The family event is hosted by the World Fisheries Trust and Esquimalt Parks and Recreation.
Participants can interact with local marine animals in a Seaquaria touch tank, take part in interpretive walks, enjoy delicious food and enter a raffle for some great prizes.
Admission is free. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gorge Waterway Nature House in Esquimalt Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Rd. Details at worldoceansday.org/event/world-oceans-day-gorge/.
Discover different ways of caring for the marine ecosystem as Fisherman’s Wharf celebrates World Oceans Day on Sunday.
The family event is an opportunity to learn about the sea, with a scavenger hunt, underwater cameras, touch tanks and displays from the Fish Eye Project. Conservation groups in attendance include Oceans Network Canada, Ocean Wise, Robert Bateman Centre, Royal B.C. Museum, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and others.
Admission is free. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fisherman’s Wharf, 1 Dallas Rd. For details, go to fishermans
wharfvictoria.com.
Come meet your aquatic neighbours as the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre celebrates World Oceans Day on Sunday.
There will be something for everyone at the family event, including marine-themed activities, booths and discovery stations.
Children will be entertained with a storytime by the Vancouver Island Regional Library, music and a chance to dress up in costumes for photos with Ollie the Octopus, mascot of the centre.
The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Beacon Park (in front of the aquarium), 2540 Beacon Ave., Sidney. For information, go to oceandiscovery.ca.
Walk to help people with Crohn’s, colitis
Show you have the guts to help those who suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by taking part in the Gutsy Walk on Sunday.
This is the 20th anniversary for the community event, which takes place across Canada. In 2014, more than 1,300 teams and 16,000 participants walked coast to coast in 59 communities. The walk has raised $29 million since its inception.
The fun-filled event features a five-kilometre walk, entertainment, face painting, silent auction and food. The walk is embraced by families who participate in honour of loved ones and by companies who want to support their employees and the local community.
Participants can register to walk as part of a family, corporate or school team. Registration is from 9-10 a.m. Warm-up starts at 9:45 and the walk starts at 10 a.m. at Kinsmen Gorge Park.
For information, go to chronesandcolitis.ca.
Learn how to bake pies for a good cause
Help make dozens and dozens of apple pies at the Victoria Pie Co.’s first bake off in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria.
No culinary experience is required since volunteers from the pie company will show how it’s done. All pies made at the event will be donated to families in need. The event also raises awareness and funds to support the youth organization.
The baking will go faster with the sound of live music by local folk-rock band, Okisollo Sound, in the background.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria matches volunteers with vulnerable youth. The program improves the lives of about 500 children, many who are living with non-parent relatives or in foster care. The mentoring program inspires and empowers youth and helps reduce poverty, bullying and unemployment.
Registration is free. The event runs from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday and June 12 at the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson, 1701 Douglas St.
For information, go to bbbsvictoria.com.
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
