Bill Phillips
Smithers/Interior News
If you’re planning on heading out to a Farmers’ Market this weekend, why don’t you bring a friend?
And while you’re there with your ‘bestie’ take a ‘selfie’ and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #meetmymarket.
You could win big.
Throughout the month of July, anyone in B.C. can participate in Meet My Market month by bringing a friend to their local BC farmers’ market and entering a grand prize giveaway via social media or in person at participating markets.
“The goal is to encourage people who are loyal customers at farmers’ markets to bring their friends,” said Elizabeth Quinn, executive director of the B.C. Farmers’ Market Association.
Here’s how you can win:
At participating markets, which includes the Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market in Smithers and Hazelton Farmers’ Market in Hazelton, fill out a ballot at the info booth. Many markets are offering additional incentives such as a free coffee or baked treat. Or, enter via social media. Just snap a photo at your favourite B.C. farmers’ market and post it on social media, tagging @bcfarmersmarket and add #MeetMyMarket to enter. Not on Instagram or Twitter? No problem. You can also enter via the BCAFM Facebook page.
All entries will be automatically entered to win one of two grand prizes: A three-night getaway (+ wine touring) for two to Sparkling Hill Resort in the Okanagan. Social media entrants will also be eligible to win one of five weekly random prize draws for $50 to spend at the farmers’ market of their choice.
“The idea is really to get our customers to bring a friend to the market,” said Kimberley Mulla, Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market board member and vendor.
The Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at Highway 16 and Main Street.
“There really is an amazing assortment of products every week,” said Mulla.
Quinn said farmers’ markets are growing in popularity with revenues, province-wide, increasing by 146 per cent between 2006 and 2012.
She says they provide about $170 million in economic activity in the province each year.
So check out the local farmers’ markets, bring friend and post a picture on social media.
