The Goldstream Farmers Market will be starting up again on May 11 and will allow the tasting and sale of local beer alongside wine, cider and mead.
The City of Langford Protective Services Committee recommended allowing sales and tasting of local beer and City Council has approved it.
Alcohol sales were permitted at the market as of 2017 as per the Goldstream Farmers Market Agreement. The agreement states that only two alcohol vendors that provide tasting and sales services are permitted per market.
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Goldstream Farmers Market board member Shirley Obersteller said the board is now trying to find craft beer vendors as well as a gin vendor.
“Last year when we had cider we had no complaints and it worked very well,” Obersteller said. “It’s not going to be a beer garden, they’ll have a table and a canopy and have some tasting.”
Obersteller said market visitors can expect some great entertainment as well with the addition of an entertainment coordinator to the farmer’s market team.
“We’ve got some really nice bands coming and artists,” Obersteller said. “The music this year could be one of our better years.”
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A food truck will also be present for part of the season as well as some new vendors. The board is also thinking about holding some themed Saturdays, Obersteller said.
The Goldstream Farmers Market is located in Veteran’s Memorial Park in Langford and supports local agriculture, food, artisan crafts and entertainers.
Everything at the market is homemade, handmade or home grown.
Obersteller said patrons of the market love visiting the local farmers and often line up for their produce as well.
This year’s Goldstream Farmers Market opens on May 11 — the day before Mother’s Day — and runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 12.
shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com
