The area around Deer Lake Park is bound to be busy this Saturday, what with the centennial celebration for the C.W. Parker carousel and the season opening of the Burnaby Village Museum.
And there's one more reason to head on down and celebrate - the Burnaby's Farmers' Market is starting up again on May 5 at 9 a.m., returning to its original spot at city hall.
The market was located at the museum last year but has moved back to the north parking lot at 4949 Canada Way for the 2012 season.
"We're really thrilled to be back at city hall," said Lyn Hainstock, manager of the market.
Since announcing the market would return to its original spot, the market has attained many more vendors, according to Hainstock.
Whereas they might have had 20 to 30 vendors in past seasons, this weekend they have nearly 40 vendors, she said.
"So the market will be much bigger this year," she said.
The market, one of three Artisan Farmers Markets in the region, will have a chicken vendor this year, according to Hainstock, who said they'd been looking for one for years.
The market also has pork and beef vendors, she said.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is also returning, after being absent last year, Hainstock said.
"Everyone knows it's going to be one of the best markets in the area," she added. "It's just growing and growing."
Shoppers can park and shop right at the market, which will again be accessible to cyclists and dog owners.
Starting in June, the market is hosting its monthly cooking contests on the first market day of the month, except in August, when it is on the second weekend.
The market will have an Amber Alert system, as well as emergency first-aid responders on site, and top-of-the-line first aid equipment, according to Hainstock.
The market is hosting a variety of events throughout the season, including a wheel parade on the third Saturday in June.
"You can bring your bicycle, your wheelchair, your stroller," Hainstock said. "Anything that's got wheels, that isn't motorized, and decorate it."
There will also be a teddy bears' picnic in July, the zucchini races in August, an organic week event in September and a scarecrow competition in October, she added.
The used book exchange will be back, as well as the newspaper reading area, live music, a games area and the children's play area, Hainstock said.
The market opens on Saturday, May 5, and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until Oct. 27.
www.twitter.com/janayafe
