This Saturday's Burnaby farmers' market has promised to take over city hall's parking lot and fill it with delicious goods and pretty things - while also entertaining the young ones.
Food trucks, farmers, games, music, the mayor and about 30 vendors will be around for this season's first market on May 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Parkway.
"We have the most convenient market in town," said Lyn Hainstock, manager of the market. "You get out of your car and walk three feet to your nearest vendor."
This Saturday there's a meet-the-mayor segment at 10 a.m. where Derek Corrigan is expected to mingle with the public.
But Corrigan will be competing with the tantalizing smell of a pancake breakfast, which is being organized by the Burnaby Lougheed Lions.
"That's going to be fun," Hainstock said. "They come a few times in the season."
This year's food trucks will feature perogies and French cuisine, and there could be a special shaved ice truck, too, but Hainstock said she was still waiting to hear back from them.
"We're picking up, which is really nice now," she said.
There's organic and conventional produce, honey, dips, cheese, kids clothes, jams, fish, coffee, desserts, soap, sauces and much more, according to Hainstock.
"Starting off, we just have eight or nine farmers in the first market," she noted. "It's always a bit quieter until things start coming through. . It'll grow."
With 30 vendors now, Hainstock said she expects it to climb to about 50 before the summer is through.
"We've got room for expansion. We could have 100 vendors," she added.
There's also a spot for a book exchange, a kids' play area, a games table and a newspaper reading area.
"We're always looking for people that could come and have a free space if they're fundraising," she said. "It's all free for nonprofits."
The market is happening every Saturday from May 4 until Oct. 26. This year, a special event is planned for each month: June's theme is a fishing derby and will coincide with the City of Burnaby Environmental Festival; July is Teddy Bears Picnic; August will see zucchini races; in September the "market is going to the dogs"; and October will be Halloween-themed.
For more information, visit www.artisanmarkets. ca. The market is organized by the Artisan Farmers' Market Society.
