Vancouver Farmers Markets Turn 20!

Did you know that it's been 20 years since the first farmers market in Vancouver? Here are some fun facts about the market for you:

1. East Vancouver Farmers Market opened July 29, 1995. That day, 500 eager Vancouverites descended upon 8 skeptical farmers in the parking lot of Croatian Cultural Centre. They sold out within a couple of hours.
2. The second week of East Vancouver Farmers Market, there were twice as many farmers & 800-1200 people were attending on a weekly basis. The market ran for 11 weeks and generated almost $40,000 in sales.
3. Now the VFM operates 9 weekly markets & hosts 425,000 people annually.
4. VFM supports 250 small BC producers & helps keep over 6,000 acres of farmland in production. 
5. Each year, VFM contributes more than $15 million in direct & indirect benefits to the local & regional economy.

To celebrate the anniversary, the Vancouver Farmers Markets will be partying the whole season. You can join in the fun too! 

• VFM will be hosting a series of 20th Anniversary events, contests, limited edition merch, & festivities.
• Have some sweet birthday treats with VFM on opening day at all of  the markets.
• Enter their #VFM20 photo contest on Instagram for a chance to win $100 in Market Money!
• Take a walk down memory lane with Moments in History panels at the markets, & follow VFM's #tbt & Founding Vendor profiles on Facebook.
• VFM is launching an exclusive collection of 20th Anniversary Market Merchandise, including t-shirts, tote bags, & a limited edition 20th Anniversary $5 Market Money Token!

Vancouver Farmers Markets officially open for the seaason this week, starting with Yaletown May 7, Trout Lake on May 9, Kitsilano May 10, most of the rest starting in June. 

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