Farmers' market opens outdoor venue

The Prince George Farmers' Market had a cool, blustery start to its outdoor market season on Saturday.

Market president Randy Stasiuk said the windy conditions was challenging for outdoor vendors, but the turnout bodes well for the season.

"We'd like to see more [customers] but that is usually weather-specific," he said. "I think we have a very exceptional market offering [this year]. There is a lot of excitement about it."

Stasiuk said this year the market will be looking to partner with Blues Underground Network to host live music throughout the year.

"The focal point of this year will be the completion of the patio, or corral, which is under construction," Stasiuk said. "We're looking to have some entertainment on a regular basis."

The patio area is under construction outside the market's year-round location on Sixth Avenue, and should be ready by mid-June for the Father's Day weekend, he said. The farmer's market should be more than a place to buy local food and crafts, he said.

"It's a social gathering place. You start seeing people on a regular basis as they come through," he said. "It's an integral part of the social fabric. It is good for the downtown and the city of Prince George."

Some of the construction and demolition happening downtown this summer may pose a challenge in terms of noise, dust and access, he said, but most of those inconveniences should be minor and temporary.

"Our challenge is to attract new vendors... give people more variety," Stasiuk said. "Other than that, we're looking forward to the year - hopefully the weather will cooperate with us."