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Vanderhoof veggies galore!

As cool weather descends upon Vanderhoof, local producers will be bringing to the community the fruits of their labour at this week.
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Students and parents gathered ripened tomatoes at Vanderhoof’s community garden in August.

Vivian ChuiOmineca Express

 

As cool weather descends upon Vanderhoof — even frost for some gardens — local producers will be celebrating and bringing to the community the fruits of their labour at two events this week.

On Sept. 9 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Vanderhoof Community Garden features a Harvest Celebration with a free barbecue at 4:30 p.m., showcasing locally sourced meats and vegetables as well as local venders’ goods.

On Sept. 10, the Vanderhoof Farmers’ Market celebrates a successful season of fresh local produce with live music for the market’s near-end.

“If you can’t grow it, lots of people around can grow it for you!” Michelle Roberge, the market’s manager, said.

 

Poetry Contest

September 12-19 is Farmers Appreciation Week, and the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) is inviting all British Columbians to submit original poems that honour local farmers. It’s their third annual “Ode to a Farmer” poetry contest, which is looking for agriculture-themed poems before the deadline of Sept. 13. The grand prize winner will receive a $150 certificate to spend at the B.C. farmers’ market of their choice, and there will also be a $50 winner from each of the province’s regions: Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast; Kootenay-Rockies; Northern B.C.; Thompson-Okanagan; Vancouver; Coast and Mountains; and Vancouver Island.

Entries will be judged based on several criteria: relevance to the theme (25%); judges’ impression (25%); poetic structure (20%); spelling and grammar (15%); and originality (15%). The contest is open to all British Columbia residents, and there is a 500 word limit.  Submissions—in the form of a haiku, sonnet, poem, or limerick—can be sent via e-mail (http://fluidsurveys.com/s/fawpoetry/?TEST_DATA=&_cb=hiQrQKMn40) or by mail to “ATTN: Poetry Contest, B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets, 203-2642 Main Street, Vancouver V5T 3E6”. “We’re looking for people to use their creativity through words to show their appreciation of local farmers who contribute greatly to our communities, health, and well-being,” says Georgia Stanley, the BCAFM’s Communications Manager.

“There is a great tradition of writers finding inspiration from the land that is continued through the ‘Ode to a Farmer’ contest,” says Tamara Leigh, president of the B.C. Farm Writers’ Association, and a contest judge. “I look forward to seeing how people connect creatively with food and farming, and bring it to life in their poems.”

The BCAFM is a not-for-profit association that represents 125 farmers’ markets across the province and works to support, develop, and promote farmers’ markets in all regions of BC. For more information on the BCAFM or to find a farmers’ market near you, visit www.bcfarmersmarket.org.