The Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market wrapped up operations for another year on Saturday, so fans of locally-grown produce will have to look elsewhere for their veggies for the next few months.
The season, said market president Bobbie Garnons-Williams, was a good one, with more vendors and more customers making it a must-shop experience in the uptown core.
“It has been a very good year,” she said. “We have had exceptional weather that has allowed farmers to produce and we’ve had some great new vendors with baking, organic dog food, wild mushrooms, hemp products and even locally grown wheat and oats.”
Besides attracting more customers, she added, the market has brought in a younger demographic, with parents teaching their children about the importance of good food.
One of the highlights of the past season, she said, was the exploration of different flavours, with both a tomato tasting day and garlic tasting day.
“It gave an idea of some of the different flavours available,” she said.