Royal City residents are soaking up the ambiance of Royal City Farmers Market's summer season in Tipperary Park.
The market kicked off its new summer season on June 6 in the parking lot next to Tipperary Park and New Westminster City Hall. The market runs every Thursday until Oct. 10 from 3 to 7 p.m.
"It was a really positive first day," said operations manager Jodi Appleton. "We had sunshine. We had great entertainment."
The market features vendors selling produce, dairy, honey, meat, fish, bread, baking and other treats. Other items for sale include jewelry, health and beauty products and items by local artisans and crafters.
"A lot of our regular vendors are back," Appleton said. "We have some new vendors. We have more produce vendors."
Each week, market goers will be able to dine on food that can be eaten on site such as perogies, souvlaki and chili.
"Every market, there should be about three different places you can get your dinner," Appleton said. "It is more of a community event."
While people can drop by and pick up items like produce and head home, they're more than welcome to bring a blanket, and sit and enjoy the atmosphere in the park.
"There is live music," Appleton said. "It's like a mini festival each week."
The Royal City Farmers Market will be holding special events during its summer season, including a pie bakeoff on July 25. Details about special events can be found on the market's website at www. rcfm.ca.
Appleton noted that the market and the city teamed up to provide bike racks at the site, so people can now park their bikes and enjoy the market.
"The city did the installation," she said, "and the market bought the actual racks."
Launched in 2008, Royal City Farmers Market began with the summer market in the parking lot near Royal Avenue and Fourth Street. The following year it expanded to include a winter farmers market at River Market.
