For most people, a visit to Caravan Farm Theatre is a treat that comes just twice a year: for the summer show and the Christmas sleigh ride show.
But thanks to the Caravan Farmers Market, a visit to the farm can now be a weekly experience.
Taking place every Sunday, the market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features local organic produce, handmade goods, wagon rides and more.
Caravan artistic director Courtenay Dobbie said the market is an extension of the May Fair that has been held annually for the past three years.
“We were finding that we wanted to build upon that success, because people liked coming out, and had a good day, and it had a fair-like atmosphere, and we wanted to offer something similar to that experience more often,” she said.
Dobbie says that with 80 acres of property, a farmers’ market seemed like an ideal way to share the beauty of the farm with the community.
“We wanted to support local artists and local produce vendors, and local business people and we also wanted an event that could bring people to the farm, down the driveway and to coincide with our summer show, to be able to offer something to people more often, get them out here to eat, and this seemed like a good way to do it,” she said.
“We are a theatre company but we have all this land and we are still a farm, so it seemed like a good fit.
“And we have this brand-new timber frame barn that we built with the idea of sheltering people from rainy nights, and wanted to make use of it.”
Since the first market May 8 on Mother’s Day, it’s been a popular destination, with friends gathering to visit and enjoy a trip to the country.
“We’re actually finding that it’s become a real destination in the sense that people are coming out and making a day of it,” said Dobbie.
The market features local produce, art, crafts, food and drink, wagon rides and live music showcasing local musicians.
Tasty treats include homemade baking such as artisan breads, Indian cuisine, local produce and farm-fresh eggs.
Also in the mix is handcrafted soap, jewellery, fresh flowers, garlic, flutes, handmade belt buckles, walking sticks and pet treats.
“We’ve even had someone making mini donuts, and the food will increase over the summer.
“People are staying for awhile, getting their produce and then just hanging out and eating.”
The Caravan Farmers Market will run every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October.
Caravan Farm Theatre is located at 4886 Salmon River Rd. in Spallumcheen.
For more information, call 1-866-546-8533.
