Winter Farmers Market returns to Vancouver’s Eastside

After a successful trial run last winter, Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market returns to the PNE fairgrounds for its first full season this November.

Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) is all set to launch the Hastings Park Farmers Market on November 8^th, its first full season winter location in East Vancouver since the closure of the Winter Market at the WISE Hall in April 2010.

Located between the Forum and the Agrodome at the PNE fairgrounds, Hastings Park Winter Market will feature 50+ vendors each week bringing Vancouverites a great selection of locally grown produce, meat, seafood and dairy, craft beer, wine and spirits, artisan prepared food and baked goods, handmade craft and food trucks.

“We enjoyed great success with our Winter Market that ran at the WISE Hall from 2006-2010,” says VFM Operations Manager, Roberta LaQuaglia. “When we outgrew that space and moved to Nat Bailey Stadium, we knew we left some shoppers behind. We’re thrilled to be bringing a winter farmers market back to East Van, and with Hastings Park running alongside our Saturday market at Nat Bailey, people now have two locations to shop local this winter.”

As well as a one-stop shop for seasonal, local food, Hastings Park provides market goers with the opportunity to stroll through the nearby Japanese and Italian gardens, visit The Sanctuary, or a make a stop at the playground. VFM is partnering with the PNE and Eastside BIA to establish Hastings Park as a hub of community activity and a weekly ritual for residents and shoppers.

Hastings Park craft vendor Rebekah McGurran of The Hive Printing, lives with her husband and business partner, Norbert Mantik in the neighbourhood.

“As a vendor, we love this new market in the heart of our own neighbourhood,” says Rebekah. “It’s a great Sunday destination to pick up locally grown and locally made products in the winter”.

The Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market runs Sundays, 10am-2pm from November 8^th– May 1^st (closed for the holidays December 27^th), at the PNE fairgrounds, Hastings & Renfrew. The Nat Bailey Winter Farmers Market runs Saturdays, 10am-2pm from November 7^th – April 23^rd (closed December 26^th), at Nat Bailey Stadium, 30^th Avenue and Ontario Street.

Additional info for the Winter Farmers Markets: http://eatlocal.org/markets/