Langley Community Farmers Market vendors are once again inviting you to "fill your basket and feed your soul."
The courtyard of Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Langley campus was bustling on Wednesday afternoon, with the return of the annual farmers market.
Vendors' stands lined the central plaza, offering visitors a wide selection of locally-produced fare, from hearty breads and delicate pastries to gourmet cheeses, specialty meat products, chocolate, honey, jam, fragrant soap, plants and flowers and, of course, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The market, which also features live entertainment each week, will be open every Wednesday afternoon — rain or shine— from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. until early October.
But opening day is always special, said Angie Quaale, president of the farmers market board.
During a brief opening ceremony held amidst the stalls as eager shoppers went about their business, Quaale remarked that she is happy to see the market filled with "awesome vendors and food producers." She praised the market's new manager, Benedict Canale, for making that happen.
A local farmers market offers shoppers the unique opportunity to learn everything there is to know about the food they choose to buy, eat and feed their families, she said.
"Get to know (the vendors) and understand where your food comes from."
The farmers market is "one of the rites of spring," said Jane Fee, principal of KPU's Langley campus, as she welcomed the vendors and shoppers back to the university, where the market has been held ever since it began five years ago.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase local produce, baking, arts and crafts," she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Township of Langley, Councillor Charlie Fox urged shoppers to give local growers and suppliers the support they need to continue their work.
The agricultural land reserve makes up 78 per cent of the Township's land mass, noted Fox.
"This is what it's all about."
Regular market shoppers will notice the lineup of vendors changing from week to week. And, in addition to the proliferation of stalls lining the plaza, there will be a variety of food vendors parked in trucks nearby.
A few of the sellers are equipped to accept debit or credit cards, but most are cash-only operations. Visitors may purchase market dollars to use on site. There is also an ATM on the university campus near the market.
KPU is located at 20901 Langley Bypass.
For more information or to apply to become a vendor, entertainer or volunteer, visit the market's website.