Businesses all over the West End have been banding together through these hard times, a testament to the amazing support of this community. It’s this social fabric that makes the West End such a great place to live. Over the last few months, Elio’s top REALTOR®, Soriah Kanji, has been sponsoring the West End Farmers Market, ensuring that the essential service remains fully functional to its local patrons.
Community events like the farmers market are critical to the livelihood of local businesses and producers. In addition to supporting local growers and vendors, Soriah’s contributions have also enabled the community to benefit once again from fresh, organic, and local products. After months of strict lockdown, it’s refreshing for everyone to be able to have safe social interactions.
Speaking of safety, the West End Farmers Market has carefully planned its reopening in accordance with provincial guidelines. The Market requests that only one person per household visit at a time, and that physical distancing measures remain firmly in place. As you enter on Thurlow Street, you’ll begin the one way system that weaves its way through the lineup of vendors. A “Shop, Don’t Stop” recommendation is in place to keep visitors safe. Don’t worry! You’ll still have time to pick up your favourite treats from the carefully curated list of vendors. You can even pre-order your purchase online for a safe, lower risk, quick pickup.
If this is your first time visiting the West End Farmers Market, Elio recommends stopping by Salt & Harrow Farm at stands 6 & 7 for some organic goodness. As one of the largest community owned farms in North America, Salt & Harrow’s approach defines what it means to be a good community member.
After a short walk to spot 17, you’ll find Wild Foraged, a local vendor providing sustainably harvested food. They’re more than happy to educate you on the amazing flavours of the forest and the ocean. With wild mushrooms in abundance in British Columbia, Wild Foraged have been sustainably harvesting this amazing natural resource and sharing the health benefits with their customers.
If you’re stocked up on food and looking for liquid courage instead, you’ll be pleased to find Forbidden Fruit Winery and their award winning organic wines. Need something a little stronger? Check out Odd Society Spirits, a small-batch distillery from East Van. If you want to make it a fancy night, get some bread and cheese from A Bread Affair and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. Wine and cheese night, sorted!
For the full list of vendors head to the handy map, plan out your visit in advance to ensure a safe and responsible experience for all. The West End Farmers Market is located at 1100 Comox St between Bute & Thurlow, and they are open on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm between May and October.
In fact, Soriah will be in attendance, supporting the organizational efforts and participating in this community favourite event. You’ll find Soriah there every month, first on August 22nd and then September 12th and October 10th. Come and say hello to our favourite real estate agent for information on the farmers market, its vendors, and West End community and real estate!