Photos: Opening day at Hastings Park winter farmers market

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      Vancouver's newest farmers market, the Hastings Park Winter Market, debuted on Sunday (October 5) to nice weather and good crowds at the PNE.

      The market featured about two dozen stalls and a half-dozen food and drink trucks selling everything from crepes and pakoras to chili and meatball sandwiches.

      The vendors are scattered about a bit, but if you know where Jimmy's Lunch or Hunky Bill's food stands are during the PNE, you won't go astray.

      Martin Dunphy

      The vendors showcased seasonal produce, much of it organic (including perhaps the last of the late corn), as well as fish, farm-fresh meat and cheeses, and a good variety of baked goods, along with specialty items like honey, gourmet savoury pies, desserts, and the kinds of exotic edibles Vancouverites have become accustomed to purchasing at the other farmers markets around town.

      This latest off-season market will run on Sundays until November 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Transit stops a short distance away at Hastings and Renfrew streets; if you drive, head north on Renfrew and enter at Gate 2, just past the Forum Building. 

      Martin Dunphy

      Meanwhile, the Vancouver Farmers Markets' established winter market, in the east parking lot of Nat Bailey Stadium (with 60-plus vendors), opens November 1 and runs every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until April 25.

      While at either market, look into supporting the Vancouver Farmers Market Society by purchasing a ticket to Ripe, the organization's seasonal food-and-drink dinner celebration to be held at the Roundhouse Community Centre on October 19, from 4 p.m.  to 8 p.m. The family-style feast—produced in partnership with the sixth annual Sustenance Festival and featuring a silent auction and live music—showcases local chefs and a seasonal market menu.

      Comments

      1 Comments

      Azzah

      Oct 7, 2014 at 11:55am

      So glad this is running!! It's right by my place!!