On Saturday, the Cottonwood Community Market will be open for the 2014 market season from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cottonwood Falls Park in Nelson.
Live music will be provided by local favourites Morien Jones from 10 a.m. to noon and Rob Funk and Brian Rosen from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
“As our climate and our global trading system become more uncertain, a strong local manufacturing and agriculture network is essential for sustaining our long-term regional service and food needs,” said Jesse Woodward, markets director at the West Kootenay EcoSociety.
“Local farmers markets like Cottonwood Community Market create more stable and secure local livelihoods as well as access to unique local products and foodstuffs, so we’re excited to see lots of folks in 2014 taking advantage of what Cottonwood Market has to offer.”
Market-goers will find everything from bedding plants to locally grown produce, delicious ready to eat foods, organic meat and eggs, handmade artisan gifts, and locally made body care products. The wonderful mix of drop-in vendors and full season vendors make for an exciting shopping experience that is always different from week to week.
For the 2014 season, West Kootenay EcoSociety will continue making improvements to the market site while reaching out to new customers and vendors to increase its local food self-sufficiency. Through a community initiative grant from the Columbia Basin Trust and with help of the metal working studio at Kootenay School of Arts and the City of Nelson, a beautiful new bike rack has been installed at Cottonwood Market.
The West Kootenay EcoSociety encourages customers to leave their cars at home and walk or bike to the market. Those who must drive can find early bird parking next to the market site, but by midday it is advised to park at the foot of Baker Street and walk the two blocks to the market.
There is also spill over parking at the Rod and Gun Club parking area. Don’t miss being a part of the fun and excitement of Cottonwood Community Market on opening day and every Saturday through to October 25.